Józef Elsner

Józef Elsner (1769 - 1854) was a Polish composer and professor of music remembered today primarily as the teacher of composer Frederic Chopin. From 1799 until 1824 Elsner was the principal conductor at the National Theater in Warsaw. He composed several operas that had their premieres at this theater. Elsner was also a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum . From 1823 to 1829 he taught Chopin music theory and composition. He wrote of Chopin in his diary at the time: "Chopin, Frederic, third year student, amazing capabilities, musical genius." Chopin dedicated his first sonata, the Sonata in C Minor Op.4, and his Varioations Op.2 to Josef Elsner.