SCFC769

Fryderyk Chopin: A Polish Exile in Paris

Fryderyk Chopin

Born near Warsaw to a French father and Polish mother, Fryderyk Chopin (1810–1849) left his homeland at 20. The failure of the 1830 uprising caused him to spend the rest of his life in France, where he composed many of his greatest works and became a sought-after pianist and teacher.

We will trace Chopin’s path from Poland to Paris, looking at the influence of his family and teachers, his early career as a concert pianist, his successful entry into Parisian salon culture, his nostalgia for his homeland and family, and his relationships with women, in particular the novelist George Sand. We will explore some of Chopin’s most important masterworks—the sonatas and ballades for piano, chamber works, and piano concertos.

Please note that enrolment in this course is reserved for adults 55+.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Section Session(s) Date/time Campus Instructor(s) Cost Registration
SCFC769-VA1137 6 Wednesdays
Sep 11–Oct 16
9:30–11:20 am		 Van Nicolas Krusek $104 Register

What will I learn?

Weeks 1 and 2: From Warsaw to Vienna

We will explore Chopin's upbringing in Warsaw, especially his formative musical education, studies at the Conservatory, earliest public concerts, and first few notable compositions. Among the works we will consider are the C minor Piano Sonata, the G minor Piano Trio and the piano concertos.

Weeks 3 and 4: French Musical Society

We will observe Chopin’s arrival in Paris and introduction into the upper echelons of society, his brilliant reputation as a salon performer and teacher and his relationships with other musicians and composers. Works we will discuss include miniature masterpieces (Études Op. 10 and 25 and Preludes Op. 28) as well as more ambitious compositions such as the ballades and sonatas.

Weeks 5 and 6: Musical Greatness and Deteriorating Health

We will explore the last years of Chopin's life and career, particularly his tempestuous relationship with the writer George Sand, his gradual retirement from public concerts, his homesickness and patriotic pride, and the onset of his final illness. We will conclude our survey of his music with selections from the mazurkas, polonaises, and the G minor Cello Sonata among other works.

How will I learn?

  • Lectures
  • Film and/or audio clips
  • Discussion (may vary from class to class)
  • Papers (applicable only to certificate students)

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the life and work of the 19th-century Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin.

How will I be evaluated?

For certificate students only:

Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Textbooks and learning materials

Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.

If you're 55+, you may take this course as part of

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