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Here are a few observations on the movie.

Introduction

In a democracy, the people set the rules (laws) by which they live and how these rules will be enforced. In a dictatorship, the rules are set for the people. Whether they are governed in the name of the people, China, or in a more personal way, Russia, this is still a dictatorship where the people are told how to live. Today, this is the issue between Ukraine and Russia. During Chopin’s lifetime, it was the issue between Poland and Russia. Three themes of the movie deserved reflection.

The Love of Country

 Chopin in the movie, very young, is presented has having a dislike, perhaps “hate” is a better word, for the Russian occupation of his country. Nevertheless, he continued his study, and it is only after an incident that would lead to his arrest that he left for France with his music teacher.

     France was a natural choice for his exile. His father was a French natural born citizen who had immigrated to Poland. France was also the cultural center of the world at the time. In Paris live well known artist like Liszt, Schuman, Musset, Stendhal just to mention a few.

Domination and Possession

     Upon his arrival in Paris, Chopin is introduced to the French society. He met George Sand, the plume name of a woman, Amantine Dupin, a French novelist. He immediately completely fell under her possession and domination. He saw no one but her and followed directions of no one but her.

     Chopin earn a living by performing in the Salons and giving piano lessons. “Salons” were an institution that flourished during the Enlightenment (18th Century) and the first part of the 19th century. They were created by women, usually a woman of great standing in society. She would hold receptions where the discussion focused on a single topic. They provided a great opportunity for women to influence the culture of their time. During his life in Paris, Chopin was the main guest at 23 of the soirées.

Rekindle with the Past.

While the 1848 Revolution swipes Poland and Europe, Chopin was oblivious to the suffering of the Polish people. The situation changed when his sister arrived in Paris and made him aware of the plight of the Polish people, and especially of people who were close to his family. Money was needed to bribe the jailers and to free prisoners who were facing execution. Although, Chopin was seriously ill, he embarked in a series of concert throughout Europe. The concerts provided a great amount of money. This money was sent to Poland to support the freedom of the Polish people. However, it also had a negative effect on his health, an effect that cumulated in his early death.

Associated with this period of his life is the Polonaise. The Polonaise is one of the five dances associated with this country. Chopin wrote many musical pieces for that dance. One of his best known is the Heroic, an hymn to the struggle of the Polish people for their freedom.  It is one of his most admired compositions and has long been a favorite of the romantic piano.

In a different perspective, it is interesting to note the functioning of Chopin’s mind. Long held beliefs from his early life that had been submerged in his daily life were brought back to the surface. This supports the theory held by one of the three fathers who set up fundamental theories explaining the functioning of the mind.

Viewing the movie is an exercise is love of country, alienation and redemption.

Albany, New York

July 28, 2022.