... the greatest composer of piano works ever -- and possibly the greatest pianist to ever touch a keyboard. And, yes, I know what sort of pianists I'm putting Chopin above! No one in the modern world of music can stand on Chopin's level. Only Mozart is a real competitor in the classical world as far as I am concerned. Others just fall short of the kind of dynamic expression of which Chopin is capable.

As for great players and interpreters of Chopin's music, there's lots and lots of argument about that. In modern times (i.e. pianists still living) my favorite is Krystian Zimerman -- only a Pole can truly play the music that still remains the soul of Poland.

(BTW, I would say that Mozart is the best ALL-AROUND composer ever, by a lot. But Chopin still rules the piano.)

The works of Chopin were a revelation in my personal life -- they literally changed my perception of the world. I've been waiting for this date to come up, big time.