The enigmatic genius of Fryderyk Chopin, whose music blends spontaneity and precision in a unique, paradoxical art.

Chopin remains one of the most beloved and enigmatic musicians in history. His music, both spontaneous and meticulously crafted, defies purely rational analysis. Composer and musicologist Giovanni Bietti guides readers through Chopin’s distinctive musical language, tracing the influence of Polish folk traditions, Italian opera, and the exclusive atmosphere of 19th-century salons. This insightful guide unlocks the composer’s language, historical context, and stylistic influences and surveys Chopin’s major genres (Preludes, Mazurkas, Nocturnes, Etudes) and more, providing a comprehensive portrait of his refined and intense artistry. It concludes with an in-depth interview with Krystian Zimerman, the acclaimed Polish pianist, offering a vivid and personal interpretation of Chopin’s legacy.