Extrait du livre Chopin
Chopin by Ann Rachlin and Susan Hellard Flowerpot Children's Press
Chopin
“Stand up, Frederick! Shake hands with Mr. Zywny! He is your new piano teacher.” Nicholas Chopin’s voice was kind but firm and his little six-year-old son jumped to his feet. He loved playing the piano. His mother had been giving him music lessons since he was three. But now, here was his new teacher. What would he be like? Frederick held out his hand and looked at Albert Zywny. What a strange-looking man! He had a huge purple nose and as he smiled at the little boy, Frederick saw that some of his teeth were missing. On his head was an untidy blonde wig, which had slipped to one side. He wore yellow trousers and a yellow coat. But they were different yellows!
Frederick tried hard not to laugh when he saw Mr. Zywny’s big boots. This curious man used his boots as a purse and there was money sticking out of the top. Mr. Zywny took off his frayed old cloak and sat down at the side of the piano. “All right, Frederick,” he said. “Let me hear you play!” Frederick soon forgot how odd his teacher looked, for his music lessons were fascinating. He even got smells. Mr. Zywny took snuff and scattered the strong powder everywhere— in his boots, on his cravat,and especially on his vest. Mr. Zywny didn’t believe in bathing either. On hot days, he rubbed himself down with vodka!
