CHOPIN IN VIENNA
Special exhibition from 4 March to 30 April 2010
Three cities played an important role in Frédéric Chopin's life: Warsaw, Paris and Vienna. He grew up and received his musical training in Warsaw. He further developed his talents in Paris, where he also lived and died. And finally, he spent nine months in Vienna. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of his birth, Haus der Musik is presenting a special exhibition devoted to his time in Vienna.
Chopin's talent as a composer and pianist was quickly recognised in Vienna and his future career was particularly marked by his stay here. The aim of his parents and his teacher Prof. Josef Elsner, who sent him to Vienna for two weeks in 1829 to expand his artistic horizons, was therefore achieved.
In November 1830, Chopin, full of hope and optimism, came to Vienna for a second time from Warsaw, via Wroclaw, Dresden and Prague. Shortly after his arrival, an incident occurred that was to have a major influence on the young composer's future, when an uprising occurred in Warsaw to free the people from the Russian yoke. The Austrian government, which did not support the patriotic Polish uprising but sided with the Russians, cancelled or at least censored all Polish cultural events planned in Vienna. During his eight months in Vienna, Chopin therefore performed only once.
Chopin was desolate and could only think of leaving the city as soon as possible. He departed on 20 July 1831 without regrets, but full of disappointment and concern for his family in Warsaw, where the uprising had been put down, and headed, via Munich and Stuttgart, for Paris.
In retrospect, Chopin's time in Vienna was rewarding in spite of the many disappointments. He became known to a wide public as a composer and pianist and also attained a degree of maturity that enabled him later to conquer Europe. (Text Piotr Szalsza)
"Chopin in Vienna"
The exhibition at Haus der Musik is designed as a narrative of the events that took place during his time in Vienna. It draws in particular on the composer's extensive correspondence. Over sixty exhibits will be on show from the National Chopin Institute collection in Warsaw, the Picture Archive of the Austrian National Library, the Austrian Theatre Museum and Wien Museum.
Organizers:
National Chopin Institute Warsaw
Vienna - Krakow Cultural Association
Haus der Musik Vienna
Idea and exhibition curator: Piotr Szalsza
Duration: 4 March to 30 April 2010
