Frederic Chopin: Polist Patriot, Passionate Pianist

Wednesdays, 10am- 12pm

May 10 - May 24

Instructor: Rick Phillips

It is the rare piano recital today that does not include a work by Frederic Chopin, and many are all-Chopin. Composing and performing just as the piano was coming of age, the piano music by Chopin clearly expressed the ideals of the burgeoning 19th century Romantic period - passionate, dramatic, emotional and virtuosic. And, at a time when nationalism and patriotism were rife, Chopin's Polish blood coursed thick through his veins with stylized Polish dances like the Mazurka and the Polonaise. As Robert Schumann claimed when he first heard the music of Chopin, "Hats off, gentlemen, a genius!".

This series will explore the historic, social and musical context behind Chopin's beloved piano music.