ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents the starting point for a Frederic Chopin researcher. It explains the catalogs of works, editions, and manuscripts, and placed in the context of related research studies. The book outlines the information about Chopin's correspondence, and biographies. It discusses the music, melody, harmony, and rhythm, and includes analyses of works composed after 1833. The book addresses Chopin's reception and his students. It also considers national elements in Chopin's music. The book provides a representative sample of historical reviews from papers in Poland, France, Germany, and England may be found in the anthology of music criticism by Irena Poniatowska and Dziadek. Several periodicals are devoted exclusively to work on Chopin, others include articles on the composer and his music. Certain serials have published special commemorative issues during anniversary years related to Chopin's birth or death.
