Nocturne

Description

This intermediate piano solo should be played with a sense of mystery, of being alone, but not lonely, of quiet joyfulness as one is surrounded by the dark beauty of the night. After a somewhat non-rhythmical and spacious 4 bar introduction, the first theme (section A) in Eb major takes a few bars to find its tonal centre – beginning in the dorian mode – the mystery of the night is immediately apparent. The main theme (section B) at bar 16 is in Ab major – play with a sense of inner joy – the darkness is not to be feared. Bars 24 to 27 is like the steady breath or pulse of the night – expanding / contracting. Section C beginning at bar 28 has a sense of rubato (freedom in the time) through which the pianist can create their own expression using the tempo changes – make the most of the unexpected E natural bass note underpinning the LH chord at bar 34 – give it space and freedom. Here our imagination soars, uninhibited by the haste and rush of the daylight hours – the mind becomes still. One feels connected – and then sleep.

See its video at:  https://youtu.be/uKNhn6RINrk

sample audio

sample sheet music

Level of Difficulty: