Gilpin observer., 1909-02-25

sic, Francois Frederick Cho-
pin. Chopin was called by
Schumann the boldest and proudest
poetic spirit of his times: and Grove
says Schumann might with equal truth
have named him a composer for the
pianoforte pre-eminent beyond com
parison.
A musician of exceptional training
pianist of wonderful skill and power.
1t is as composer for the piano he holds
chief claim to attention. He was the
first of all the composers to under
stand the limitations and possibilities
of the piano. his compositions are all
works for the piano or with the piano.
Compared with other composers he
did not leave behind a large quantity
of work, but that left is of rare quail
ity. The solo pieces include etudes.
preludes. mazurkas. polonaises, bal
ladies'. scherzi, nocturnes. waltzes and
other works. The compositions for
piano with orchestra include two con
certos: Don Giovanni Fantasia: Kra-
koviak, rondo: + Flat Polonaise:
and a Fantasia on Polish airs. He is
author of three works for piano and
cello, piano trio and a rondo for
two pianos.
In his day he met with much appre-
citation, many honors; valued by his
fellow artists. petted and feted by the
world of fashion. He was an odd mix
ture, this Polish genius. his a most
contradictory nature; on the one side
trucking to the aristocracy, on the
other never relinquishing his artistic
ideals. And always n pathetic per-
sonality. in physique so frail. so ap-
pealing, Of temperament so highly ar
tistic the owner was ill-ftted for the
tempest Of living. He was OF refined,
high-bred appearance.
Chopin was born in the village OF
Zelazowa VIOLA. son of a teacher OF
French, his father French his mother
Polish. The boy seems to have re-
ceived but a superficial general edu-
cation, but in music was well taught,
and early showed remarkable prom
ise, made public appearance at the
tender age of eight years. He became
n great favorite, was adored by the la
dies, musicians spoke of him as a sec.
ond Mozart. Before he was IL he at
tempted composition, wrote a march
dedicated to the Russian Grand Duke
Constantine, n piece Of music the
duke had scored for military band.
At 12 he entered the Lyceum. and
about this time began the study of
harmony and counterpoint at the War
saw conservatory; during the years OF
school work carried on his musical
studies on leaving the Lyceum adopt
ed music as profession. In 1880 he
set forth as travelling virtuoso. ap-
peared in Breslau, Dresden, Prague,
Vienna, Munich and Stuttgart. and on
reaching Paris tarried there. 1t was
Just prior to his arrival In Paris the
Russians had seized Warsaw. and
French sympathy for downtrodden Po-
land may have added to the warmth OF
welcome held out to the young Polish
musician. Artistic circles admitted him
with acclaim, the doors OF wealth and
fashion opened wide for him. He was
sought as a teacher, he found encour-
agement, sympathy, understanding,
new Incentive for writing. Presently
he appeared less and less as
public pianist, devoting his time to
composition. Over in Germany Robert
Schumann. always generous in appre-
citation, was the first to give, to his
music full recognition, and In an article
oft.quoted wrote In regard to Chopin:
Hats of. gentlemen! a genius!"