Today is the 201st birthday of the great composer and pianist Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)! (Ironically, it's also annoying Justin Bieber's birthday, but I let Chopin eat all of the cake xD) Although he passed away some 160 years ago, he will be known to all as an important figure of classical music, or a "poet of the piano." To me, his birthday is a day to celebrate, that it was the day when a master was born. The music is Chopin's Nocturne op. 9 no. 3, played by Heinrich Neuhaus. The 21 Nocturnes, or "night pieces" that Chopin wrote are dark, mysterious, melancholic, and purely artistic. We hope you enjoy this tribute! About the pianist: Heinrich Neuhaus (1888-1964) was a famous pianist and piano teacher. His book, The Art of Piano Playing, is considered one of the most authoritive books on piano learning. He was a professer of the prestigious Moscow Conservatory and later took over as the director of the whole conservatory. His pupils include the legendary Sviatoslav Richter, the great Vladimir Horowitz, and the brilliant Emil Gilels. About the composer: Chopin (1810-1849) was a famous pianist and composer. Born in Poland, he moved to Paris in his 20s. He wrote over 200 works in his short life of 39 years, and they were mostly devoted to the piano (with the exception of the 17 Songs, the Trio in G minor, the Introduction and Polonaise, and Cello Sonata). He is also known for his romantic relationship with the author Amantine Lucile Dupin (better known as George Sand). Sadly, he died in 1849 from tuberclosis. His notable pieces include the Valse du Petit Chien (Minute Waltz), the "Heroic" polonaise, and the Nocturne in E Flat.
