Chopin, Frédéric François

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Chopin, Frédéric François (1810–49) Composer for the piano, b. Poland. He gave his first recital in Warsaw at the age of eight. Political repression forced him to move (1831) to Paris, where he endeared himself in the salons. His restrained and delicate style contrasted strongly with contemporary trends. In 1836, Liszt introduced Chopin to the novelist George Sand. In 1838 the couple moved to Majorca, and he composed 24 préludes. Chopin composed almost exclusively for the piano and established it as a solo instrument. His major works include two piano concertos and three piano sonatas.

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