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Nocturnes

Nocturne No.5 in B-flat major H.37

John Field (1817)

DifficultyIntermediate
Duration4:17
Notes1,074
OpusH.37

Description

John Field, credited with originating the nocturne form, wrote this No. 5 in B-flat major in 1817. It features the singing right-hand melody over gently rocking left-hand accompaniment that would later shape Chopin's own nocturnes. Rated intermediate, it rewards a pianist who can shape the ornamented melodic line with a smooth legato touch.

One of Chopin's signature genres — beautiful, lyrical piano pieces that evoke the stillness and poetry of the night.

Sheet Music

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Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project

About the Composer

John Field (1782-1837)

John Field was an Irish pianist and composer from Dublin who built his career in Russia, based in St. Petersburg and Moscow. He is credited with creating the nocturne, a genre defined by lyrical melody over arpeggiated accompaniment, and his innovations greatly influenced Chopin. This site features his Nocturne No. 5 in B-flat major, H. 37.

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Nocturne No.5 in B-flat major H.37 - John Field | Visual Piano