Chopin Nocturnes - Influence

Influence

When first published, Chopin’s nocturnes were met with mixed reactions from critics, though many of them were not in his favor. However, through the process of time, many who had initially been displeased with the nocturnes found themselves retracting previous criticisms, holding the short compositions in high respect.

While the popularity of individual nocturnes has varied considerably since Chopin's death, they have retained a significant position in the piano repertoire, with the Op. 9 No. 2 in E♭ major and the Op. 27 No. 2 in D♭ major perhaps the most enduringly popular.

Various composers from both Chopin’s lifetime and later have expressed their influence from his work with nocturnes. Such artists as Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner display similar melodic technique and style in their music as Chopin. Other composers such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt described the genius that lay within Chopin’s nocturnes. It is clear that these short piano compositions made a noticeable and lasting impact on music and composition during the romantic period.

Chopin extracted much of his influence from poetry and paintings, often using his surroundings to inspire his melodies and phrasing. His Nocturne compositions are a clear example of the beauty of nature and display his impressionism.