Frederic Chopin, Son of Poland, Early Years

Great Musicians

by Opal Wheeler, Christine Price (Illustrator)

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 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 in 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 theater of Count Gallenberg actually launched his career as a major figure in the world of music, Frederic Chopin's childhood and boyhood are dramatically presented. Frederic Chopin, Son of Poland, Later Years completes the great man's life story.

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Childrens, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1948

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have read several Wheeler biographies, but this one is the new favorite! Beautiful illustrations, inspiring story... when combined w playing the pieces (online or at piano), the biography really pops! I would especially recommend this book to assign or read aloud to new or budding piano students. 🎵

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first of Opal Wheelers books and my first, in many years, books about the famous composers. I enjoyed it no end. It’s even more delicious if you listen to his music as you read. Highly recommend to the interested learner of historical lives.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little biography of Chopin‘s childhood for children. It’s not my favorite Opal Wheeler book as an adult, but the kids loved it.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful accounting of Chopin's years from child prodigy to established musician. Readers learn not only of his musical accomplishments/ training (with simple pieces for them to try out), health struggles, and activities he eventually sacrificed for piano, but also about the life of his Polish aristocratic family in the early 1800s. Simple line drawn illustrations are adequate, but don't seem to add much to the story. Recommended.

[Sherry Elmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Opal Wheeler book I've read, and I really enjoyed the story of this brilliant, rambunctious son of Poland.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is our fourth Opal Wheeler book to read aloud and they’re all fantastic, living books. The classical composers are brought to life for children in these books but I would read them just for myself :)

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have loved Opal Wheeler’s biographies of great composers. Geared for children, the books highlight interesting stories from the composers’ childhoods, include musical scores, and have excellent black and white drawings. Over summer term (yes, we are in school until July 3 here–banking days so we can take maternity leave this fall!) we are learning about Chopin and the kids were excited that Wheeler wrote TWO books about him. Frederic Chopin: Son of Poland, Early Years was a big hit as a read-aloud. The book is a treasure. If you ever see Wheeler’s series in a used book store, nab it. Or add it to your Amazon list. They are keepers.

Get more recommendations for great kids chapter book read alouds on A Spirited Mind

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these biographies of great musicians for children. This is the second time I've read them aloud, this time only to my own musician (it was probably 10 years ago I first read them), and he thinks they are great. We are often inspired to look up many compositions on YouTube and listen to pieces during the rest of his school work. Great books!

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read the last 72 pages of this TODAY so we could return it to the library on time. We loved it! Looking forward to reading Frederic Chopin: Son of Poland Later Years!