For over a hundred years the artistic reputation of Frederic Chopin has suffered not only from the sentimental and romantic legends which surround his name but also from the distortions and misinterpretations of his works by performers. In this book, Alan Walker and ten leading composers, performers, and scholars offer detailed analyses of the works and present an honest historical portrait of their composer. The result is a comprehensive book giving a fresh view of Chopin as man and artist.