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The 3 Easiest Chopin Nocturnes (piano)
October 22, 2022 by Taras (Terry) Babyuk
Introduction
Chopin is known to have written a total of 21 nocturnes, 18 of which were published during his lifetime and 3 posthumously. Today, his nocturnes are held in very high regard among musicians and continue to enjoy widespread popularity in contemporary concert repertoire.
Keep in mind that the word "easy" is used here relative to Chopin's other nocturnes, and does not mean that these works are easy to play. To be able to perform these pieces comfortably, one must be at a minimum an intermediate to high-intermediate pianist.
*The pieces are not ranked in any particular order.
#1. Nocturne in C Minor, P. 2 No. 8
Although composed in 1837, this nocturne was not published until 1938, long after Chopin's death. It is known for its relative simplicity and a beautiful, folk-like melody in the right hand.
Quick Facts
- Composed: 1837
- Pages: 3
- Key: C Minor
- Tempo: Andante sostenuto (slow and sustained)
- Ability Level: High intermediate
- My personal rating: 3.5/5 (nice!)
WHAT'S EASY ABOUT IT:
- The slow overall tempo and a predictable LH pattern of eighth notes.
WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT:
- 12- and sometimes 14- note runs in RH will require a light touch and good finger control.
#2. Nocturne in C Sharp Minor, P. 1, No. 16 ('Reminiscence')
As was the case with our first nocturne, this one was also published posthumously, in 1870. Chopin had dedicated this composition to his older sister, Ludwika Chopin. These days, many people know this piece from the soundtrack to Roman Polanski's 2002 film “The Pianist”.
Quick Facts
- Composed: 1830
- Pages: 3
- Key: C Sharp Minor
- Tempo: Lento con grad espressione (slow with great expression)
- Ability Level: High Intermediate
- My personal rating: 5/5 (love it!)
WHAT'S EASY ABOUT IT:
- The slow overall tempo and a predictable LH pattern of eighth notes.
WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT:
- 18- and 35-note runs towards the end of the piece will require lightness of touch and good finger control.
#3. Nocturne in G Minor, Op. 37, No. 1
Published in 1840, this was one of a set of two nocturnes that Chopin wrote while staying in Majorca with George Sand.
Quick Facts
- Composed: 1838
- Pages: 3
- Key: G Minor
- Tempo: Andante sostenuto (slow and sustained)
- Ability Level: High Intermediate
- My personal rating: 4/5 (very nice!)
WHAT'S EASY ABOUT IT:
- The slow overall tempo, predictable LH eighth-note pattern, key signature, repeated (ABA) structure.
WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT:
- Multi-note runs and grace notes in RH will require lightness of touch and good finger control.
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