Chopin's Nocturnes are characterized by a free form, often ornamented melodies, and bold harmonic and chromatic explorations, building on the foundation laid by John Field.
Composition History
Chopin did not invent the nocturne; the term was first used in 1812 by Irish composer John Field, who wrote 18 nocturnes for piano.
Performer Biography
Emmanuelle Swiercz, the pianist on this album, began playing piano at age nine and gave her first concert just two years later.
Performer Biography
Emmanuelle Swiercz was admitted to the prestigious Paris Conservatoire at age 16 by a unanimous jury vote.
Composer Biography
Chopin wrote 21 Nocturnes over 16 years, between 1830 and 1846, which became an intimate diary of his soul.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin's inspiration for his Nocturnes came from the human voice, specifically the bel canto singing style, which he transposed to the piano.
Interpretation
Franz Liszt described Chopin's playing of the Nocturnes as having an 'agitated trepidation' and a 'tempo rubato' that made the melody undulate like a skiff on a wave.
