Frederic Chopin
Son of Poland, Early Years
by Opal Wheeler
Frederic Chopin, celebrated pianist and probably the greatest composer for the piano the world has ever known, was born in a little cottage in Poland on the estate of the Count Skarbek whose children were tutored by his father, Nicolas Chopin.
The child loved music from babyhood and when the family moved to Warsaw a few years after his birth, he was placed under the tutelage of the best masters of music in Poland. His astounding performance, playing the solo part of a difficult concerto with the full Warsaw orchestra when only nine years of age marked little Frederic as the genius he was. Through the early years to that momentous day in Vienna when his playing at the theatre of Count Gallenburg actually launched his career as a major figure in the world of music, Frederic Chopin’s childhood and boyhood are dramatically presented. Chopin, Son of Poland, Later Years completes the great man’s life story.
160 pages
$13.95
Frederic Chopin
Son of Poland, Later Years
by Opal Wheeler
Chopin remembered Vienna as the city where he had made an instant success with his music, so when, after years at home in Warsaw, he returned to Vienna he was heartsick to find only a cool welcome awaiting him. Vienna wanted to dance and sing and forget war and Poland was on the brink of war.
In Paris, however, Chopin found himself warmly welcomed; his concerts became the vogue; his days were crowded with both gayety and the work he loved. Years passed and the world hailed his greatest compositions. Then ill health began making inroads on his time and he went to Majorca, England, Scotland, seeking relief. However, time was running out, and, at the peak of his career, the great composer and pianist died in Paris, the city he loved.
Thus, simply, yet with drama is completed this excellent two-volume biography of one of the worlds greatest artist.
166 pages
$13.95
Frederic Chopin Early & Later Years Study Guide
From Judy Wilcox/Zeezok Publishing
Intended to complement Opal Wheeler’s classic Frederic Chopin, Son of Poland, Early Years and Frederic Chopin, Son of Poland, Later Years. Packed with timelines, maps, reading comprehension questions, character quality highlights, and extra tidbits of information about Chopin`s life and his music. Written for children in grades K-6, this study guide makes a great addition to any study of master composers.
40 pages, Softcover
One study guide covers both Chopin books, $9.95
Chopin Companion MP3 CD
This enhanced CD provides audio files of all the music from Wheeler’s classic books on Frederic Chopin in audio and MP3 file format, so that you can hear a sample of these composer’s works. In addition, all the music contained in the books can be printed as sheet music from this enhanced CD. Moreover, printable coloring pages for each chapter of both books are provided. Geared for a variety of learners - auditory, kinesthetic, visual, and just plain "active" - it’s an excellent supplement to your reading experience.
MP3 Companion CD, $7.95