Nocturnes, Op. 37 (Chopin)

Opening bars of Opus 37 No. 1.

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]

  1. ^ a b c d Woodstra, Chris; Brennan, Gerald; Schrott, Allen (2005). AllMusic Guide to Classical Music. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 287. ISBN 0-87930-865-6. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  2. ^ Samson, Jim (1985). The Music of Chopin. London; Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul. p. 21. ISBN 0-7100-9688-7.
  3. ^ Huneker, James G. (1966). Chopin: The Man and his Music. New York: Dover Publ. p. 251. ISBN 0-486-21687-X.
  4. ^ Huneker (1966), p. 262
  5. ^ Lateiner, Jacob; Bruce Brubaker; Jane Gottlieb (2000). Pianist, Scholar, Connoisseur: Essays in honor of Jacob Lateiner. Stuyvesant, N.Y.: Pendragon Press. p. 23. ISBN 1-57647-001-6.
  6. ^ Dubal, David (2004). The Art of the Piano: Its Performers, Literature, and Recordings. Pompton Plains, NJ: Amadeus Press. p. 461. ISBN 1-57467-088-3.