Fryderyk Chopin's father, Nicolas Chopin, was French by birth but became an officer in the Polish National Guard and instilled in his son a fierce sense of loyalty to Poland.
Composer's Artistic Vision
As a composer, Chopin perfected an idiomatic style of performance characterized by delicate nuance and elegance, where technical problems seemed non-existent.
Composer Biography
Chopin spent the greater part of his career in self-imposed exile in Paris, fostering his loyalty to Poland from afar.
Performer Biography
Idil Biret, the pianist on this recording, began piano lessons at age three and graduated from the Paris Conservatoire with three first prizes at fifteen.
Compositional Technique
Chopin's music showed originality in its exploration of harmony and in its expansion of existing forms, as well as the creation of new ones.
Composition History
The Etudes Op. 10 were written between 1829 and 1832 and dedicated to Franz Liszt, combining serious technical purpose with musicality.
Composition History
The Etudes Op. 25 were written over five years preceding their 1837 publication and dedicated to Countess Marie d'Agoult, Franz Liszt's mistress and a writer.
