Frédéric Chopin
Nocturne 12
in G Major, Op. 37 No. 2

ID: 1021

A nocturnal boat trip?

The Nocturne in G major Op. 37 no. 2 alternates a main section featuring a theme in double notes with a gently rocking second theme. Its barcarolle-like, flexibly undulating nature, and its time of composition coinciding with Chopin's stay in Mallorca with George Sand makes one wonder if it isn't a quiet trip by boat during a warm night that is evoked. The main sections feature some of Chopin's most unusual harmonic progressions, modulating, for example, from G major into the distant key of e flat minor within the space of three measures, and then further on into a minor in about the same amount of time. The music theory enthusiast will be most interested in the transition from the main sections into the second theme, which makes clever use of mediants and chromaticism in one of Chopin's most daring modulations.

Despite its overall quiet nature, this is one of Chopin’s more technically challenging Nocturnes, the double note patterns requiring a refined technique if they are to be played with the smoothness and security that is needed.

Background

The Nocturnes Op. 37 were written in 1839 during the time of Chopin's stay in Mallorca with his lover, author George Sand. They were published in 1840.