The Nocturnes, Op. 37 are a set of two nocturnes for solo piano written by Frédéric Chopin in 1839 during the time of his stay with author George Sand in Majorca[1][2] and published in 1840.[3] Unusually, neither piece carries a dedication.
This set of nocturnes was originally considered to be one of the better sets, yet its popularity slowly decreased in the twentieth century.[1] Blair Johnson maintains, however, that the pieces are still "wonderful specimens, being something of a hybrid between the more dramatic Opus 27 and the far simpler textures and moods of Opus 32."[1] Robert Schumann commented that they were "of that nobler kind under which poetic ideality gleams more transparently."[1] Schumann also said that the "two nocturnes differ from his earlier ones chiefly through greater simplicity of decoration and more quiet grace."[4]
Gustav Barth commented that Chopin's nocturnes are definite signs of "progress" in comparison to John Field's original nocturnes, though the improvements are "for the most part only in technique."[5] However, David Dubal feels that the pieces are "more aptly described as ballades in miniature."[6]