Józef Elsner

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Józef Elsner (June 1, 1769 - April 18, 1854) was a Polish composer and professor of music, born in Grodkow (near Wroclaw).

Elsner was remembered today primarily as a teacher of composer Frédéric Chopin. From 1799 until 1824 Elsner was the principal conductor at the National Theatre in Warsaw. He composed several operas that had their premieres at this theatre. Elsner was also a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum.

From 1823 to 1829 he taught Chopin music theory and composition. He wrote of Chopin in his diary at the time: "Chopin, Frederic, third year student, amazing capabilities, musical genius." Chopin dedicated his first sonata, the Sonata in C Minor Op. 4, and his Variations Op. 2 to Józef Elsner.