The Masterpieces of Fryderyk Chopin
Documentary heritage submitted by Poland and recommended for inclusion in the Memory of the World Register in 1999.
Fryderyk Chopin, like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Verdi, is considered to be a composer of lasting and universal value. One of the most important features of his music is originality and novelty.
Apart from Europe, he also made a name for himself in Asia (especially in Japan and Korea) and in both Americas. At the Fryderyk Chopin International Competition held in Warsaw, Chopin’s compositions were performed by musicians from every continent. Even though Fryderyk Chopin was one of the fathers of Romanticism, his music had its individual character and his achievements outclassed those of his predecessors and followers.
Chopin lived outside Poland for 19 years and his musical output has been dispersed in different collections. That is why the largest part of his production which has been conserved by the Fryderyk Chopin Society and the National Library is of special importance.
Chopin’s musical output is of such great importance that UNESCO decided to declare the year 1999 Fryderyk Chopin International Year during which the whole world will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Chopin’s birth.