Chopin – Nocturne op. 15 n. 1  (1831 - 1832)
 
Chopin’s nocturnes are probably his best known and most loved pieces. Their composition spans throughout all Chopin’s life, from the first nocturne in C minor composed at 15-year-old, to the two nocturnes op. 62 composed just 3 years before his death. Over this life-long creative effort, the three nocturnes op. 15 represent a turning point in Chopin’s poetics, with a higher degree of maturity and complexity compared to his previous creations. The first nocturne is built on the ABA structure, with a delicate, plain melody that creates a relaxed mood without the sentimentalism of Chopin’s earlier nocturnes, interrupted by a dramatic central section perfectly marked as con fuoco (“with fire”). The reprise of the first theme, sotto voce (“quietly”), sounds like a return to peace after a lovers’ quarrel.