Wojciech Żywny

Wojciech Żywny (Czech: Vojtěch Živný; Mšeno, Bohemia, May 13, 1756 – February 21, 1842, Warsaw) was a Czech pianist, violinist, teacher and composer. He was Frédéric Chopin's first professional piano teacher.

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Life

Żywny was a pupil of Jan Kuchař.

Żywny was the first professional piano teacher of Frédéric Chopin, who received lessons from him between 1816 and 1822. Chopin's piano skills soon surpassed those of his respected teacher. In 1821, eleven-year-old Chopin dedicated a polonaise in A-flat major to Żywny as a name-day gift.

Works

Żywny wrote many pieces for piano, violin, as well as orchestral works, few of which are known or published today. They show refined mastery of the classical style, with definite romantic influences. Another influence on his music was Central European folk music.

See also

References

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