Chopin: The Man and His Music

by James Huneker

Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849) was one of the most influential musicians of the 19th Century. Discovered as a child-prodigy pianist in his native Poland, he later travelled to France, where he remained after the Polish uprising of 1830-31. There he gave few public performances, but worked as composer and piano teacher. He later became a French citizen and conducted a stormy relationship with French writer George Sand (Aurore Dudevant). He died at 39 of pulmonary tuberculosis. Chopin innovated many traditional forms of piano music and also created new forms such as the ballade. Though technically demanding, his music is nuanced and deeply expressive. His mazurkas and polonaises became the centerpiece of Polish classical music.

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Classical Music, Biography Memoir, Classics, Nonfiction

355 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Huneker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He studied piano in Europe under Leopold Doutreleau and audited the Paris piano class of Frédéric Chopin's pupil Georges Mathias. He came to New York City in 1885 and remained there until his death. In the USA he studied with Franz Liszt's student Rafael Joseffy, who became his friend and mentor.

Huneker wrote the analysis and commentary on the complete works of Chopin for Schirmer's music publishing company. His analysis of all the piano solo works of Johannes Brahms, written shortly after that composer's complete works were published after his death, is highly regarded.

He was the music editor of the Musical Courier and for two years was music editor of the New York paper The Sun, and a frequent contributor to the leading magazines and reviews.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hu...

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly flowery account of the life of Chopin. He does not go in chronological order, but rather according to subject. It starts with his life in Poland, then his love life with George Sand, then an analysis of his music and others viewpoints, including audience members and other composers.

Informative, but written in an archaic style which I found a bit boring.

[Rene · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part is a biography, which is interesting, but a bit short. The second part is about all the compositions of Chopin. This part can hardly be read if one is not familiar already, in great detail, with all these compositions. Although I have listened quite often to the music by Chopin, and even play some of it, I could not follow the very detailed analysis. I wonder who can, except professional pianists.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book is about the music ,not much about him .

[Mehrnaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't an introduction to Chopin's music. If you're not familiar with his works, I don't recommend it.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A long a boring regurgitation of other peoples thoughts and research. In depth description of pictures of Chopin. If I didn't already know the music, I would have written the subject off. How can I get the time I spent on this back again?

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed reading this biography of one of my favorite music composers, I have read better ones. It sufficed for my research.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting account of Chopin's life and work with analyses of most, including comparisons of versions.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a quick browse, this book is super advanced to me. Maybe one day I can get half of it.

[Yvonne Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A musician trying to write a biography of a famous composer doesn't work; author thought more of his own connections

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite a difficult read if you're not a piano player and Chopin's music affliction. I was just an unsuspecting fan of his music...

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but lacked in biographical details. There were no illustrations or scores and it was more of a critique of other 19c writings on Chopin and his music then a standalone study.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too convoluted. Guess you have to know music AND Polish to read this book. ugh.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried finishing this one - and I failed.. not an excitable biography