Chopin's Funeral

Years ago I saw a movie called Impromptu, in it Judy Davis plays George Sand, the 19th Century French feminist novelist, in her pursuit of Chopin. This independent film highlights the difficult task of seducing Chopin that Sand took to with determination and quite a lot of comedy. I loved this film and immediately set out to read George's books only to find that they are of the worst sort of dribble that today is considered journalism by People Magazine. The appeal of her novels during her time was that they were essentially gossip rags that detailed the exploits of George and her famous friends, but literature they were not. This book however, tells the story of Chopin's death after he left George. Ravaged by tuberculosis and George, Chopin died with only George's daughter for company. Detailing the painful end that came to Chopin this book was both saddening and striking. This genius met his end aching and lonely. Eisler paints her picture so clearly you can't help but see it.

I found this book to be very revealing about Chopin, the way he wrote, his torment and selfishness behind his writing.

This book is an amazing account of Chopin's life story. It has a great deal of information about his compositions and the inspiration behind them. Beautifully written and an interesting story. I would highly recommend it.

very nice book to read. it flows pretty nicely, especially if u don't know music history that well. it's a biography with a story behind it. it doesnt require a special music knowledge.

Benita Eisler had written a concise and powerful book about the life of Frederic Chopin, including his loves, his music and his friends. Beginning with a colorful account of Chopin's funeral, the author then begins to weave together a tormented picture of him. His many illnesses, the distance from those he loved, his constant need for funds....all describe a life of unbelievable turmoil. Eisner is able to capture the essence of Chopin brilliantly and relate it to the reader with strokes of understanding and compassion.While Chopin's relationship with George Sand has been well-documented over the years, the author, nonetheless, gives an emotional portrayal of their lives together...and apart. It is the central part of this book, as it should be. But how many readers know the influence that Sand's children had on him....especially Solange? Chopin relied heavily on both women but it was Solange who comforted him at the composer's end.As a pianist, I enjoyed Eisner's brief and occasional comments on Chopin's compositions. They always seemed to complement her narrative and they were never too weighty to drag down any chapter. Her writing style is often brisk but not in any way capricious. The "photo" taken of Chopin towards the end of his life says it all. A man barely five feet tall, weighing little by a body wracked with suffering....a man in this condition who could still write some of the most expansive music. Eisner secures it all...she allows the reader to have great empathy and awe for Chopin.It's a rare occurrence that a dust jacket adds so much to the book. It's really designed to give the look and feel of a first edition classic. Eisner's "Chopin's Funeral" is a highly recommended, thoroughly enjoyable book.