Pronounced "my-noot," the French word implies the piece is a miniature. A typical performance of the "Minute Waltz" actually takes nearly two minutes to play.

While other composers wrote large symphonies and operas, Chopin focused entirely on the piano, revolutionizing the instrument's expressive capabilities.

Terrified of being buried alive, Chopin requested his heart be removed. His sister preserved it in the highly alcoholic spirit and smuggled it past Russian guards.

After leaving during the 1830 November Uprising, he never returned to Poland. He elevated these lively traditional folk dances to express his deep nationalism from Paris.