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The short answer
An autograph that became a printer’s model. Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27 No. 2 is a nocturne by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- nocturne
- Romantic
- Key of D-flat major
- dreamy
- broken chords
- ornaments
History
Chopin wrote this nocturne in autumn 1835; it appeared in print in 1836. Henle identifies the Warsaw autograph as the model used to engrave the German first edition. Its source list also preserves a connection to copies owned by his pupil Jane Stirling and his sister Ludwika.
Sources
What to listen for
Two melodies take turns
Hear how the two alternating themes give different answers within the continuing nocturne.
The first melody returns decorated
Listen for the familiar first theme through its changing ornamentation on later returns.
Listen beyond the last alternation
The coda follows the final theme exchange. Hear it as the remaining ending passage.
How to practise it
Prepare the accompaniment quietly before the melody enters.
- Practise one six-note support group softly, then connect the next group.
- Practise the upper entry alone, then add the quiet lower pattern.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
The opening accompaniment repeatedly spans a low bass and middle register while the upper melody uses different note lengths. Quiet spatial control, balance and independent melody placement are the observed demands; later decorative passages need full-work review.
About this piece
- Collection
- Night music
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Frédéric Chopin
- Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro
