Frederic Chopin was a famous pianist, who started touring and performing at the age of only seven. As a composer he wrote almost nothing except piano music, but his piano music is possibly the most beautiful ever written.

 

Chopin was born in Poland, but he spent most of his adult life in France. He often wrote, however, in Polish folk styles - such as mazurkas and polonaises - turning what were originally kinds of dance music into masterpieces of piano.

 

Unfortunately, Chopin suffered from very bad health for most of his life. He traveled to famous hospitals and spas around France - often in the company of his girlfriend, the famous Author George Sand, but nothing seemed to help. He died of tuberculosis at age 39.