One of the greatest innovations made by Chopin to the nocturne was his use of a more freely flowing rhythm, a technique based on the classical music style. With these main attributes of the 'Field nocturne' Chopin was inspired, and expanded upon them to develop the 'Chopin nocturne'. By using the pedal more, the music gains more emotional expression through sustained notes, giving the piece an aura of drama. Another technique used by Field and continued by Chopin was the more extensive use of the pedal. Along with the right-hand melody, Chopin continued the use of another nocturne 'necessity', that of playing broken chords on the left hand to act as the rhythm under his right-handed 'vocal' melody. The use of the melody as vocals bestowed a greater emotional depth to the piece, drawing the listener in to a greater extent. This is one of the most if not the most important features to the nocturne as a whole. One aspect of the nocturne that Chopin continued from Field is the use of a song-like melody in the right hand. Nonetheless, Chopin still admired Field and his work and continued to take inspiration throughout his life.Ĭhopin's nocturnes carry many similarities with those of Field while at the same time retaining a distinct, unique sound of their own. Upon meeting Chopin and hearing his nocturnes in 1832, Field is said to have described the composer as a 'sickroom talent'. While Chopin held Field in high respect and considered him one of his primary influences, Field had a rather negative view of Chopin's work. The composer Friedrich Kalkbrenner, one of Chopin's early influences, once inquired as to whether Chopin was a student of Field. In his youth, Chopin was often told that he sounded like Field, who in turn was later described as sounding 'Chopinesque'. Chopin had composed five of his nocturnes before meeting Field for the first time. Eventually, the young Chopin became a great admirer of Field, taking some influence from the Irish composer's playing and composing technique.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.By the time of Chopin's birth in 1810, John Field was already an accomplished composer. Many teachers may think that he may be too young or immature to perform this Nocturne that portrays such sadness and emotion, but I think he does pretty well for himself. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

It was recorded on his piano recital on Octoin Cole Concert Hall at Stephen F. The video below is of my 10-year-old piano student and son, Antonio 'Nio' Ajero. In 1945, the survivor Szpilman was able to play on the radio the same Chopin Nocturne that was interrupted six years earlier. The last live music heard on Warsaw radio was Szpilman's performance of Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne in C-sharp Minor in 1939. This Nocturne was featured in the 2002 film The Pianist based on the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman's amazing struggle to survive Germany's occupation of Poland in World War II. The middle section provides a lovely contrasting melody that starts off in A Major that gives a hint of contentment than soon gives in back to the sadness of the main theme. Similar to his other nocturnes, Chopin's left hand is a relatively simple broken chord accompaniment that provides a harmonic backdrop to the haunting main melody which recurs with a variety of ornamentations as only Chopin can do. Marked Lento con gran espressione, the composition starts with a melancholy repeated minor chord progression. posthumous by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) is one of my favorites from his collection of 'night pieces' for piano.

Chopin nocturn c sharp minor