In Search of Chopin

This film offers a rare opportunity to get intimately acquainted with Frédéric Chopin. The child prodigy who taught himself to play piano grew up to be a young man with a sense of humor but unlucky in love. No one wanted the fragile and sickly young man as a son-in-law until, after seven romantic disappointments, he met the nonconformist author George Sand in Paris, where they lived together for several years.

Director Phil Grabsky explores the connection between the milestones of the Polish-born composer’s life and his extraordinary musical talent, which one of the film’s participants describes as a gift from God. Grabsky presents letters that Chopin wrote to friends and family, as well as testaments to his incredible ability to adapt to any surroundings — including the homes of kings and noblemen — despite his modest background.

Chopin died at age 39, in 1849, of tuberculosis. This film takes viewers on a fascinating journey through his personal history, seen against the backdrop of European history.