Frédéric François Chopin, born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin on March 1, 1810, in Żelazowa Wola, Duchy of Warsaw, was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period, renowned for his solo piano compositions. A child prodigy, Chopin began composing and performing at a young age, publishing his first piece at age seven. He grew up in Warsaw, where he completed his musical education under the guidance of Polish composer Josef Elsner at the Warsaw Conservatory of Music.

Chopin left Poland at age 20, just before the November 1830 Uprising, and settled in Paris in 1832. There, he became a prominent figure in high society, known for his delicate and expressive piano style, which contrasted with the more robust performances of contemporaries like Franz Liszt. Despite giving only 30 public performances, he was in high demand as a piano teacher and supported himself through teaching and selling his compositions.

Chopin's music is characterized by its poetic genius and technical mastery, with works that include mazurkas, waltzes, nocturnes, polonaises, études, and sonatas. His compositions were influenced by Polish folk music, the classical traditions of Mozart and Schubert, and the intimate atmosphere of Parisian salons.

Chopin's personal life was marked by a troubled relationship with French writer George Sand, with whom he spent a productive period on the island of Majorca. In his later years, he was financially supported by admirer Jane Stirling. Despite lifelong health issues, he continued to compose until his death in Paris on October 17, 1849, at the age of 39.

Chopin's legacy endures, with his works remaining popular and influential, and he is celebrated as a symbol of the Romantic era. The Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Poland continues to promote his life and works, hosting the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition.