A Song to Remember

At the age of 11, young Frederic Chopin impresses his teacher, Professor Józef Elsner, with his extraordinary skills as a pianist and composer. Elsner acknowledges his talent and begins nurturing his prodigious musical abilities. This event marks the start of Chopin's journey towards becoming a renowned musician.

Elsner receives an invitation from the prominent music publisher Louis Pleyel to bring Chopin to Paris, aiming to elevate his career and pursue success similar to that of Franz Liszt. However, Chopin's father cannot afford the expenses of the journey, complicating their plans. This prompts discussions about Chopin's future in music and abroad.

While contemplating his future, Chopin learns about the Polish people's plight, as they are being imprisoned and oppressed by Russian authorities. Deeply moved, he becomes determined to fight for Poland's freedom, risking his safety to stay informed and involved in political activism.

Chopin is invited to perform at Count Wyszynka's banquet, but upon discovering the Russian Governor is present, he refuses to play in front of the oppressors. Outraged, he storms out, and his friends warn him to flee Poland to avoid potential danger from political enemies.

With Elsner's assistance, Chopin flees Poland and arrives in Paris. There, he meets Pleyel, who initially dismisses him, but changes his mind after hearing Chopin play his Polonaise. Pleyel then promises to organize a concert to showcase his talent.

Chopin and Elsner visit Café de la Bohème, where they encounter notable figures such as Liszt, Victor Hugo, Dumas, and Balzac. Despite a tense interaction with critic Friedrich Kalkbrenner, Chopin impresses Liszt, who introduces him to the writer George Sand, marking a significant connection in his European debut.

The night before Chopin’s crucial debut performance, he receives devastating news about the arrests and deaths of his friends in Poland. Overcome with grief, he performs the opening bars of his Heroic Polonaise at his concert before abruptly leaving the stage, and receiving mixed reviews overall.

George Sand praises Chopin as a genius in her review, and he is invited to a reception hosted by the Duchess of Orléans where notable musicians and writers acknowledge his talent. Pleyel shows interest in promoting his music, and Chopin begins to gain recognition in Parisian society.

Sand persuades Chopin to stay with her in Majorca, where he can focus on composition and recover from illness. Her support prolongs his life, but also keeps him away from the stage, affecting his career. Meanwhile, Pleyel continues to look for opportunities to promote Chopin’s music.

News of Poland's failed uprising and the suffering of imprisoned friends deeply stirs Chopin’s patriotic spirit. His friend Constantia brings him Polish earth, igniting his desire to support his homeland through his music and efforts, despite his fragile health.

Chopin embarks on an international tour to raise funds for Poland's cause, fully aware that this will further damage his health due to tuberculosis. During a passionate performance, blood stains the keys, signaling the deterioration of his condition as he strives to fulfill his patriotic duty.

As his health worsens, Chopin longs to see Sand one last time, but she refuses to visit before his death. Surrounded by friends like Kalkbrenner, Pleyel, Elsner, and Constantia, he passes away peacefully. Liszt plays the piano nearby, paying tribute to his friend’s legacy.