When Chopin Inspires the Brush as Well as the Piano Keys
Every five years, the world turns its ears toward Warsaw for the International Chopin Piano Competition — one of the most prestigious classical music contests in the world. In October 2025, pianists from around the globe will once again bring Chopin’s music to life.
But Chopin doesn’t just inspire pianists. He also inspires… painters!
From Music to Canvas: Shades of Music
Back in 2009, artist Mariusz Kaldowski created a striking triptych, Shades of Music, a painting brushed with Chopin. It was painted to mark Chopin’s 200th birth anniversary in 2010, a year filled with concerts and celebrations worldwide.
The work wasn’t just displayed on gallery walls — it became part of the music itself. The triptych served as a dramatic stage backdrop for concerts by celebrated pianists such as Piotr Paleczny, Kevin Kenner, and PaweĹ‚ Wakarecy, and even accompanied performances by the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio.
A New Home: Chopin’s Birthplace
Fast-forward to 2025, and the story has a new chapter. The Fryderyk Chopin National Institute has acquired the triptych for display at Chopin’s birthplace and museum in Ĺ»elazowa Wola. There’s something wonderfully poetic about that — a painting inspired by Chopin returning home, where his music first began.
👉 Read more about the triptych here on our website
Why This Matters Now
With the XIX Chopin International Piano Competition just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how Chopin’s genius continues to ripple outwards — through sound, through memory, and yes, even through brushstrokes on canvas.
So whether you’re following the competition, visiting Ĺ»elazowa Wola, or just humming a nocturne at home, remember: Chopin’s spirit is alive not only in the concert hall, but also on the walls of the museum that keeps his legacy alive.
