Chopin

Zamoyski provides a picture of a wee delicate boy, meeting a feisty, worldly, very sexually experienced lady, George Sand. Chopin was apparently , "looking for mother", while George Sand wanted , initially, to be a mother to a poet composer.( A very romantic , post classical, poet composer ) . George Sand was, apparently, convinced that Chopin was suffering from a "malady" , frustration. The story is here ,well told, with some scepticism, given the sparsity of written evidence. Altogether a well written sceptical account of Chopin's life and ( probable ) character.Chopin's politics are here described as "conservative" , if not reactionary. He loved , perhaps too much , the expensive and the show.Chopin's music is not ,in my opinion, given enough prominence , in this otherwise excellent book. His , Chopin's , derogatory opinions of Beethoven compared to his "gods , Mozart and Bach" , were well made.

A most pleasant book to read, definitely not limited for only lovers of classical piano music. Adam Zamoyski has written a beautiful book about a man, who happened to be a genius on the piano. Zamoyski his research and his scouring through to plenty of archives in Warsaw, Krakow, Paris and London has been time well worth spending. Mixed with his very pleasant style of writing Zamoyski's "Chopin" was a feast to read: down to earth romantic.Adam Zamoyski guides the reader through Chopin his life as if the reader is standing beside Chopin to witness his life at first hand without getting too much into all details. It's like Zamoyski tells us "this is how it was, I was there." From his childhood, his time in Warsaw, his travelling to Paris never to return to Warsaw: with his words Zamoyski perfectly pictures how most likely it must have been. In a few occasions 'the most likely option/most likely situation' is well explained.An excellent biography to read. No matter what kind of music you like.

I have read several other books about the life and work of Chopin. Whilst each book may have its merits there are many flaws and idealised visions attached to the limited facts and written evidence about Chopin. What Zamoyski does is present a refreshingly balanced account of the facts. The emphasis is on the man and his relationship with the world and the people in his life. The balance comes in the form of quotation and comparison with other famous biographies and factual accounts. He also presents his own thoughts and ideas on the the Chopin story. It is a very enjoyable read which flows without getting bogged down in romanticism ,hero worship and flowery language. This would be an excellent first book to read about the subject as it contains all the facts and the most up to date ideas and discoveries. I also liked the lack of in depth musical analysis which I think is best left as a seperate subject. I love this book and look forward to reading it again. Well done Adam Zamoyski!

This is a very good read, even if you're not really into classical music. Zamoyski uses a huge a amount of source material, which has resulted in an excellent biography. A major plus point for me is that the author doesn't go on and on labouring boring details to demonstrate the depth of his research into Chopin. Instead uses his understanding of Chopin to ascertain whether he thinks that sources are true, and offers his own theories and ideas of what Chooin might have thought or done, which is very interesting. It's put a lot of things into context with my playing of Chopin, which I have found very inspiring. Excellent book, well worth getting.

Zamoyski has produced an excellent biogaphy of the pianist Chopin. He is particularly good at setting Chopin's life in the cultural and historical context of the nineteenth century. Having read the book, readers will learn a great deal about the life of the man as well as his music. The book is written in a highy readable style, but the book remains authoritative and is based on much archival work. Zamoyski is careful in using his sources, both primary and scondary, and is not afraid to draw attention to myths about Chopin. This biography is a must for all those interested in piano music.