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Frédérique Constant’s Limited Edition F. Chopin 2010 watch is presented in a miniature Frédéric Chopin Piano |
SWITZERLAND. Swiss watch maker Frédérique Constant has announced the launch of its Limited Edition F. Chopin 2010 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frédéric Chopin.
The commemorative watches are produced in a limited edition of 1,810 pieces [1810 being the year of Chopin’s birth] in steel and in yellow gold plated and feature an ultra-classical dial with a piano keys pattern in the centre. Each watch is presented in a miniature Frédéric Chopin Piano.
The Fryderyk Chopin Institute, which controls the composer’s heritage, has officially licensed the Frédérique Constant Limited Edition F. Chopin watch.
Chopin’s life and works
Frédéric-François Chopin (1 March 1810-17 October 1849) is widely seen as one of the greatest of Polish composers renowned for his piano works.
A great Romantic composer, he also wrote absolute music with formal titles such as Mazurkas, Impromptus, Walzes, Nocturnes. At the age of seven, he was already the author of two polonaises (in G minor and B-flat major), the first being published in the engraving workshop of Father Cybulski.
The child prodigy was featured in newspapers, and ‘little Chopin’ became the attraction at receptions given in the aristocratic salons of the capital. He also began giving public charity concerts. His first professional piano lessons lasted from 1816 to 1822, when the teacher was no longer able to give any more help.
Chopin’s piano music combined a unique rhythmic sense, as well as a piano technique of his own creation. This mixture produced a fragile sound in the melody and the harmony, underpinned by solid and interesting harmonic techniques. He also endowed popular dance forms, such as the Polish mazurka and the Viennese waltz with a greater range of melody and expression.
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2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Chopin |
Chopin in 2010
In Poland, the year 2010 is announced as the “Year of Fryderyk Chopin” as it is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Chopin. Hundreds of events are planned worldwide.
Activities are co-ordinated and controlled by The Fryderyk Chopin Institute, which was established in 2001 by an act of the Polish Parliament. The institute organises concerts and conferences and is responsible for research and the popularisation of knowledge about Chopin’s life and work, and co-operation with organisations dealing with the protection of the Chopin heritage. The Fryderyk Chopin Institute has officially licensed the Frédérique Constant Limited Edition F. Chopin watch.
