Hey, apparently Chopin nocturnes are not considered "major romantic works" (which are helpful in university auditions). Bummer, because they are so nice. Is his berceuse considered a "major work?" Even if it isn't, I'm trying to pick a piece for my diploma. I've narrowed it down to Chopin's nocturne in c# minor, op. 27, no. 1 (the really serene one that gets all angry in the middle), or the berceuse. Which should I do out of the 2 and why?

The Berceuse is a lot more difficult - both in learning the notes and in "putting it across" well. It was on the LLCM syllabus a few years ago - may still be - whereas the Nocturne - I feel - is not demanding enough for a licenciate diploma.

Have you looked at John Field's Nocturnes - he was a forerunner of Chopin. No. 4 is lovely - passionate bit in the middle. I did this for my diploma. (Wish I could still play it now.....! )

Edit:- The Fantasie Imprompu is on the ATCL syllabus.....(I'm a little obsessed with this one at the minute!)

Isn't there's more than one Berceuse written by Chopin?? Which one do you mean??

Stop it Patricia!!

I thought there was only one Berceuse by Chopin - Opus 57

I would personally go for the Berceuse. But it's really up to you which piece you choose, after all you're the one who's going to play it!

I've been thinking about it, and I think I'll do the nocturne because it's easier and because it's actually one of the few pieces that I think I can really, really relate to emotionally which will definately help me I think. Thanks everyone!

Go for the Nocturne if you can relate to it better. Personally, I find the Berceuse much easier. I have very small hands. The widely spaced chords in the L.H. part of the Nocturne are not easy for me. By contrast, I can get the fast notes in the R.H. part of the Berceuse without too much difficulty.

Really??

Yup Unless I'm gravely mistaken!