He gave the piano its soul, some used to say. Even today, Frederic Chopin's compositions are among the most loved piano works. But he was praised not just as a composer, but also as a performer. Robert Schumann labeled him "a genius" after having seen only a single piano concert.

A genius shrouded in legend

Chopin was a sickly child, but also a wunderkind. Performing in Polish parlors as a little boy, it was clear early on that he was heading towards an international career as a virtuoso pianist and composer. Later on, he had a relationship with the eccentric female author George Sand - the pen name of Aurore Dupin. It's unclear whether the pair had a romantic affair or merely a platonic friendship.

Chopin died at the young age of 39. He was buried in Paris, where he had lived from 1831 until his death in 1849, at the Pere Lachaise cemetery. According to his own wishes, his heart was preserved in alcohol and brought back to Warsaw, his birthplace, by his sister Ludowika. There, it was sealed into a pillar of the Holy Cross Church.

How did Chopin actually die? He had suffered throughout his life from chronic respiratory problems and tuberculosis was long thought to be the cause of death. In 2008, however, medical historians questioned the diagnosis, suspecting that the composer had had a genetic illness. Experts suggested doing DNA tests on the composer's heart, but Polish authorities refused to allow the exhumation of the organ.

Not only does Chopin's death remain a mystery, but so does his birthday. February 22, 1810, is listed on his birth certificate but Chopin himself claimed he was born on March 1, which is just as likely. The enigmas only add to the unabating magnetism of the Polish-French composer.

The romance factor

"I have far more luck with women when I play Chopin. Mozart never worked that good," star pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said. The romantic - even erotic - quality of his music was enhanced when Chopin himself was at the keyboard. His performances in Paris and Warsaw were said to be equally thrilling as those of virtuoso Franz Liszt.

Liszt - a handsome charmer - took advantage of his impact on women, whereas Chopin was never considered very good-looking. Some doubt that he was attracted to women at all, despite his 10-year connection to George Sand.

As a Catholic, Chopin took a conservative stance and despised every physical element of love. George Sand, on the other hand, praised sexuality, had socialistic ideals, and criticized the Catholic Church. However, following generations prefer to see the potential for a romantic love affair, rather than conflict between the two. Indeed, a cigar-smoking author, who preferred dressing like a man, in love with a brilliant musician in poor health - they sound like a match made in Hollywood. But then, myths live on legends.

This year, in honor of the 200th anniversary of his birth, Chopin fans have the opportunity to experience the legend up close. Warsaw's tourism office has organized a walking route through the city's Old Town, which takes visitors to important landmarks in the young composer's life and concludes at the church where Chopin's heart is buried.

Author: Dieter David Scholz (no)

Editor: Kate Bowen