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“A luminous book, rich with reporting and reflection and marvelously animated by LaFarge’s passion for the subject. Whether you love Chopin doesn’t matter: This is an irresistible journey into history and the nature of genius.” 

— Susan Orlean, author of The Library Book

[more praise here]

A New York Times Book Review “Editors’ Choice”

Longlisted for the PEN America Award for Biography

Shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize

“[LaFarge’s companion] website raises the bar on how music-themed books will be expected to incorporate multimedia henceforth.” — Chronogram Magazine


Music Links by Chapter

Click a link below to reach the page for each chapter, or find it in the drop-down menu at the top.  For more about the website, go here. To order Chasing Chopin go here.

Dedication

Author’s Note, “Dancing About Architecture”

Introduction, “Bull’s-eye”

Chapter One, “In a Word, Poland”

Chapter Two, “Pianopolis”

Chapter Three, “Teach With Love”

Chapter Four, “Interlude With a Vampire”

Chapter Five, “Toujours Travailler Bach”

Chapter Six, “Pulling Out the Pickaxe”

Chapter Seven, “Death Comes to the Funeral March”

Book cover of Chasing Chopin by Annik LaFarge