Fryderyka Chopina) was held from 1 to 20 October 1990 in Warsaw.

For the first time in the history of the competition, the first prize was not awarded.

Musicologist Janusz Ekiert [pl] recalled: "The 12th Competition passed without any manifestations of great admiration and without any great controversy.

Youngsters did not choose their idols, and the favourites failed to ignite people’s imagination.

One was hard pressed to notice any of the feverishly sparkling eyes that one remembered from previous competitions.