Nocturne in E-flat major

Nocturne in E-flat major by Frédéric Chopin, catalogued as Op. 55 No. 2, is a work for solo piano in E-flat major. Composed during the Romantic era, it forms part of the composer's enduring contribution to the keyboard repertoire and is freely available in the public domain through archives such as IMSLP.

Frédéric Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano. His preludes, études, nocturnes, ballades, scherzos, polonaises, mazurkas, and waltzes invented the Romantic piano vocabulary almost single-handedly — pedal as colour, rubato as breathing, the singing right-hand line over a flexible accompaniment.

The work is suited to advanced-level pianists. As with all repertoire from this period, study editions vary; the public-domain engravings linked here are based on the most widely-circulated nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century editions and are sufficient for serious study, recital preparation, and recording.

About Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano. His preludes, études, nocturnes, ballades, scherzos, polonaises, mazurkas, and waltzes invented the Romantic piano vocabulary almost single-handedly — pedal as colour, rubato as breathing, the singing right-hand line over a flexible accompaniment.

Key character — E-flat major

Heroic and noble. Beethoven's Eroica, Emperor Concerto, and many of his most expansive keyboard works.

The Romantic Era

The Romantic era turned the piano into an orchestra under ten fingers. Chopin, Schumann, Schubert, Liszt, Brahms, and Mendelssohn pushed expression toward the personal and the poetic, exploiting pedal, color, and virtuosity in equal measure.

About the Nocturne form

Invented by John Field around 1812 and perfected by Chopin, the nocturne is a slow, lyrical character piece with a singing right-hand melody supported by a flowing left-hand arpeggiation — the keyboard's answer to the bel canto aria.