The 3 Easiest Chopin Nocturnes (piano) – Da Capo Academy of Music

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 to imply 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 player.

*The pieces are not ranked in any particular order.

#1. Nocturne in C Minor, P. 2 No. 8

QUICK FACTS

Composed: 1837

Pages: 3
Key: C Minor
Tempo: Andante sostenuto (slow and sustained)

Ability Level: High Intermediate
My personal rating: 7.5/10 (very nice)

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.

Listen to a performance of this Nocturne below, by Umi Garret.

WHAT’S EASY ABOUT IT:

The slow overall tempo and a predictable LH pattern of eighth notes.

WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT ABOUT IT:

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")

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: 10/10 (love it!)

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”.

Here is a performance of this nocturne, by Tiffany Poon.

WHAT’S EASY ABOUT IT:

The slow overall tempo and a predictable LH pattern of eighth notes.

WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT ABOUT IT:

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

QUICK FACTS

Composed: 1838

Pages: 3
Key: G Minor
Tempo: Andante sostenuto (slow and sustained)

Ability Level: High Intermediate
My personal rating: 8/10 (very nice)

Published in 1840, this was one of a set of two nocturnes that Chopin wrote while staying in Majorca with George Sand.

Listen to a performance of this piece below, by Yoonie Han.

WHAT’S EASY ABOUT IT:

The slow overall tempo, predictable LH eighth-note pattern, key signature, repeated (ABA) structure.

WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND DIFFICULT ABOUT IT:

Multi-note runs and grace notes in RH will require lightness of touch and good finger control.

* Want to get the most out of your practicing? Take a look at our “5 Best Practice Tips for Music Students”

* Wondering if your child is gifted in music? Take a look at: “6 Signs Your Child Is Musically Gifted”

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