Hi all,
I'm currently working on the Chopin Nocturne in C#minor (op. Posth.) But i have a problem with the part from bar 31 to 41, where the time signature changes to 3/4 and the right hand doesn't play. I think it is a really weird part, and it doesn't seem to fit with te rest of this piece. I'm now thinking of skipping those bars, and going back to the theme straight away. Can you tell what you think of that part?
Full Version: Chopin Nocturne C#minor
Hi Nocturne.
This nocturne is in ternary form. The contrasting section B starting at bar 19 in my copy changes the mood and becomes first tranquil but then angry and passionate at bar 27.
The purpose of bars 31 - 43 is to manage the transition back to the return of section A at 44. Play it softly, gradually slowing until the adagio at bar 42.
Understanding what this nocturne is all about helps here. Although it was published after his death, Chopin actually composed it in 1830. It is one of a group of nocturnes he did not allow to be published because he thought they were of insufficient quality.
In 1830, Chopin was 19. Poland had been invaded and carved up between the Russian, Prussian and Austrian empires. The conquering powers embarked on a ruthless campain to destroy Polish culture; their language was banned and schools closed. Leading artists, writers and musicians were murdered. The Russians were especially brutal anbd Chopin's home lay within their territory.
Chopin fled to Paris at the age of, I think, 17, leaving his family behind. Imagine the feelings of a young man chased from his home and arriving friendless in a foreign capital city. These posthumous nocturnes bear all the signs of a young man yearning for his homeland and family (section A) mixed with bouts of calm acceptance and cries of anger (section
.
Be aware of all this as you play the nocturne and you cannot go too far wrong.
Incidentally, here is a thought for you. Such a brilliant musician was welcome at the courts of the aristocracy. He paid his way by performing for them, often improvising. He improvised most of the nocturnes at these soirees first, then went home to write them down.
It takes me months to learn to play one of them. Chopin just sat down and made them up as he went along.
Ye Gods.
Hope that helps.
Steve
This nocturne is in ternary form. The contrasting section B starting at bar 19 in my copy changes the mood and becomes first tranquil but then angry and passionate at bar 27.
The purpose of bars 31 - 43 is to manage the transition back to the return of section A at 44. Play it softly, gradually slowing until the adagio at bar 42.
Understanding what this nocturne is all about helps here. Although it was published after his death, Chopin actually composed it in 1830. It is one of a group of nocturnes he did not allow to be published because he thought they were of insufficient quality.
In 1830, Chopin was 19. Poland had been invaded and carved up between the Russian, Prussian and Austrian empires. The conquering powers embarked on a ruthless campain to destroy Polish culture; their language was banned and schools closed. Leading artists, writers and musicians were murdered. The Russians were especially brutal anbd Chopin's home lay within their territory.
Chopin fled to Paris at the age of, I think, 17, leaving his family behind. Imagine the feelings of a young man chased from his home and arriving friendless in a foreign capital city. These posthumous nocturnes bear all the signs of a young man yearning for his homeland and family (section A) mixed with bouts of calm acceptance and cries of anger (section
.Be aware of all this as you play the nocturne and you cannot go too far wrong.
Incidentally, here is a thought for you. Such a brilliant musician was welcome at the courts of the aristocracy. He paid his way by performing for them, often improvising. He improvised most of the nocturnes at these soirees first, then went home to write them down.
It takes me months to learn to play one of them. Chopin just sat down and made them up as he went along.
Ye Gods.
Hope that helps.
Steve
QUOTE
Incidentally, here is a thought for you. Such a brilliant musician was welcome at the courts of the aristocracy. He paid his way by performing for them, often improvising. He improvised most of the nocturnes at these soirees first, then went home to write them down.
It takes me months to learn to play one of them. Chopin just sat down and made them up as he went along.
Ye Gods.
It takes me months to learn to play one of them. Chopin just sat down and made them up as he went along.
Ye Gods.
Yes, but it may have contributed to his early death though. I struggled to learn his Nocturne in Ab a couple of years ago and felt quite mentally exhausted trying to learn it from memory. I reckon doing too many pieces like that could contribute to ill-health and/or nervous exhaustion. I remember at the time I was learning the Nocturne thinking, "I've been playing for nearly 25 years; I'm older than Chopin was before he died; Not only could he play this piece and hundreds of similar and more difficult pieces over his life, but he actually had to compose these musical masterpieces and physically write all the notes down too."
No wonder he died at 39...he always had frail health!
Personally, I would rather be around for 80 years unremembered as an average pianist than become world famous and die young. You can't appreciate your own fame when you're dead.
Gae
QUOTE(Gae @ Jun 15 2005, 11:15 AM)
Personally, I would rather be around for 80 years unremembered as an average pianist than become world famous and die young. You can't appreciate your own fame when you're dead.
Gae
Gae
Yep. Me too. I will certainly be an unremembered pianist, whatever age I am at my demise.
Steve, that was a very helpful reply. It makes so much more sense to me now. Thanks! 
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