Chopin Misses Exceptionalism in His Mid-Career, and Enchants as a Teacher
The mythical idea that the greatest composers of classical music sat locked in a room composing masterpieces every day and all day is short-sighted. Some legacy-defining composers not only had humble beginnings but humble middles. Only in the later years of their life did they have enough authority to simply compose for a living. Even then, life was not mythical and iconic. It involved serious commitment and denial of life’s other pleasures. It also often required a day job.
Chopin, at least two decades into his career as a composer, found himself doing tasks he did not generally enjoy. It was the antithesis of a composer’s dream of just composing all day in peace. Chopin moved to Paris to attract a new audience. Unfortunately, it was a bit lackluster. Parisians were accustomed to the grandiose melodies of Beethoven and Schubert, and the quieter movements of Chopin’s delicate scale and style were not suitable for large theaters looking for a bit more grandiosity.
Chopin, as opposed to dominating the concert hall circuit in Paris, became a teacher. Modern society may see teachers (especially in the arts) as the lowliest form of that particular art. Chopin took it in stride. He taught and became a notorious recitalist. Regardless, he lacked the fame and aplomb being showered upon Beethoven at the time.
Through this experience, Chopin was able to craft some of his most everlasting pieces. As a teacher, he penned Scherzo in B-flat minor and the Sonata in B-flat minor. He was never particularly a celebrity in the famed classical city. He lived modestly and composed classics in a decent environment. He also created his famous and angelic Nocturnes series 9 through 15.
He taught piano lessons to some amazing young students, and he indulged in that job. There is no shame in pursuing piano music as a wide-eyed and open-minded student. There is an exceptional modesty and understanding that comes with playing music. Every genre has its elites, and every genre has those that never define some big airy legend status. But, they strive for better and they teach those that care. That is perhaps the greatest part of music.
