FrÃ dÃ ric Chopin ( February 22 or March 1 1810 - October 17 1849 ) was a Polish virtuoso pianist who composed some of the greatest piano music ever performed . FrÃ dÃ ric FranÃ ois Chopin ( Polish : Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin ; 22 February or 1 March 1810 -- 17 October 1849 ) was a Polish composer , virtuoso pianist , and music teacher , of Frenchâ `` Polish parentage .