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In 1847, at age 37, the ten year relationship between Frederic Chopin and George Sand came to an end. It had been tempestuous at best, and a friend of the couple thought that George had poisoned Chopin’s soul. She said that had he avoided her, he might have lived to a ripe old age. Considering the progress of Fred’s tuberculosis, that was unlikely.

George was gone. Pauline was gone. Now Delfina Potocka reentered Fred’s life and prompted Chopin to write a set of three waltzes, all of which are famous.

The first waltz is not to be played in a minute!

Chopin: Waltz in D-flat, Op. 64/1 (“Minute Waltz”)

The second is written for little princesses to dance to. It’s one of my personal favorites. As a teenager, when I sat down at the piano and played something at random, it was usually this waltz.

Chopin: Waltz in C# minor, Op. 64/2

The third is rather contemplative.

Chopin: Waltz in A-flat, Op. 64/3

In 1848, Fred left Paris for London because of the latest revolution. He spent time in Edinburgh, and neither city was good for his lungs. When things settled down, he returned to Paris.

In 1849, Fred’s sister came to town to take care of him, but there wasn’t much to do. His health deteriorated rapidly, and in October he died at the age of 39. He’s buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery not too far from Jim Morrison of the Doors.

His music made him the greatest poet of the piano.