Nocturne in B-flat minor

Frédéric Chopin wrote 21 Nocturnes for solo piano between 1827 and 1846. They are generally considered among the finest short solo works for the instrument and hold an important place in contemporary concert repertoire. Although Chopin did not invent the nocturne, he popularized and expanded on it, building on the form developed by Irish composer John Field.

Chopin’s Nocturnes numbered 1 to 18 were published during his lifetime, in twos or threes, in the order of composition. However, numbers 19 and 20 were actually written first, prior to Chopin’s departure from Poland, but published posthumously. Number 21 was not originally entitled “Nocturne” at all, but since its publication in 1938 as such, it is generally included with publications and recordings of the set.

His Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1 features a rhythmic freedom that came to characterize Chopin’s later work. In this arrangement for trumpet and piano, indeed – there are a few measures that almost function like mini-cadenzas, and will require special attention to ensemble when putting together. It also features a contrasting middle section which lingers in a higher tessitura. Because of that and the contrasting nature, I felt it would be a good idea to change instruments. The more florid melodic lines of the beginning and end are for flugelhorn, and the contrasting middle section for E-flat trumpet. It is a great option for a new recital piece.

For Flugelhorn (Doubling on Trumpet in E♭) & Piano.