Sandra 
I’ve always loved Chopin’s music – there is something appealing about it that speaks directly to me.
It’s sensitive, melodic and so highly refined.
Now this year happens to be the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth and while I was listening to his second piano concerto – 2nd movement (I love that) I thought I would check out his handwriting too.
So off I went to find a sample of Chopin’s handwriting.
As soon as I saw this particular handwriting sample I laughed out loud. I really couldn’t help myself.
There I was thinking that he was this gentle, cultured, ascetic, highly sensitive soul. But what did I see in his handwriting?
Passion!
It would have been the last word I’d have used to describe him. But one look at his handwriting and I did a complete turn around.
Because passion steamed off the page!
Let me show you what I mean:
Chopin’s Handwriting
Now let me explain how I see passion in the sample.
The first thing that hits you between the eyes is the rich stroke or ductus. It’s dark and steamy and compressed with emotion.
Then there are those dynamic lower loops that are so full and rich they can’t but help reinforce your impression of passion.
Also look at those heavy underlinings, the forward slant and the many heavy strokes. Emotion and passion!
But there’s also discipline.
Where do I see that?
In those small, fine, even letters. Which incidentally make me stand by my earlier impression of cultured sensitivity too.
There’s the unpredictability of inspiration too. The rhythm and consistency is broken up here and there by innumerable surprises and flashes of inspiration.
So on reflection, – I think that “disciplined passion” is probably the best way I can describe his handwriting. And yes, that’s the exact phrase I would use to describe his exquisitely beautiful music too.
It’s interesting that in doing my research for The Mark of Genius, I discovered that so many brilliant and talented people were passionate too.
I remarked on this several times throughout the book because I was amazed to find that they all had this one particular trait in common.
Can you feel that disciplined passion too? If not, go and listen to one of his concertos and come back here and tell me what you think. I’m sure you’ll appreciate what I mean – how well his handwriting reflects his temperament as well as his music.
Interesting isn’t it? Do let me know what you think. Agree or disagree – I would love to hear your opinion.
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Hi
Another great piece of investigative work. I like classical music and listen to classic FM. It’s a UK classical music station – the largest one in the world and has its own web site.
I agree most really successful composers had an innate genius which seems to show through in their handwriting showing their desire to translate their ideas and thought onto paper
Another interesting post.
Cheers
Peter Mcgrath
[...] the handwritings of people from presidents, royalty and modern day celebrities to Einstein or Chopin and even serial killers such as Jack the Ripper and Jeffrey [...]
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! I will bookmark your blog . Thumbs up!
[...] How Chopin’s Music and Passion are mirrored in his Handwriting | Graphology World [...]
I typically don’t comment on web sites but you have some good info material.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comment. It’s interesting to see the same spirit that moves the music reflected in his handwriting.
Great read! I wish you would follow up to this topic!?!
Oh..wonderfull post and great information …will have a try all the tips..thanks…
I had been reading about your topic, ” How Chopin’s Music and Passion are mirrored in his Handwriting | Graphology World” in my reader. .. fascinating..
Thanks for an honest and truthful post, the like of which is surprisingly rare and all the more valuable for it. Regards, John.
Thank you everyone for the encouraging response. I enjoy writing these articles for you. If you have a fascinating handwriting sample do let me know via my contact form and I will happily write up a report on it.
Blogging like you do is such an art and you obviously have that skill here .
Thanks a lot for that extremely cool post.
This write up is nice. Ill post in my blog and translate it in French.
I believe this is actually the handwriting of Cyprian Norwid, as it appears to be the manuscript of a poem he wrote about Chopin after their meeting in 1849. See this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian_Norwid
Wonderful analysis, though!