Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne in B major, Op. 9 No. 3

Pianist: Xuan He

Licensing Information:
Recorded, produced, and released to the public by:
The Musopen Kickstarter Project – Set Chopin Free
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Licensed under:
Creative Commons – Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal (CC PDM 1.0)

This piece, composed around 1830-1832 and published as part of the Op. 9 set, is in the key of B major and marks the third and final nocturne of that set. The tempo marking is Allegretto, unusual for a nocturne (which are often slower), and the meter is triplet-feel with a waltz-like quality.

Musically, the structure is classically ternary (A-B-A) with a dramatic middle section, but within it there are further elaborations. The opening A section features a chromatic, somewhat quirky melody over gentle accompaniment, giving a nostalgic and somewhat playful mood. The B section shifts into a dramatic Agitato in B minor: the right hand interweaves melody and counter-melody while the left hand drives with continuous eighth-note arpeggios, demanding greater virtuosity. After this stormier middle, the opening material returns (A''), enriched by the preceding contrast, and the piece ends with a coda featuring a flourish (a little cadenza-like passage) and an arpeggiated final in B major.

In terms of atmosphere and interpretation, the Nocturne is less introspective in the way his slower nocturnes are; instead it combines grace, charm, and moments of dramatic tension. It suggests a nocturnal scene that is not only peaceful but alive — with undercurrents of drama and vivid coloration. One source describes the main theme as “filled with nostalgic energy” while the middle section introduces bold contrast. For a performer, this means handling delicate legato passages, chromatic lines, and also being prepared for the more virtuosic and forward-driven middle section.

In summary, this Nocturne stands out in the Op. 9 set for its brighter major key (B major), its more animated tempo, and its mixture of poetic charm with dramatic intensity. It offers both lyrical beauty and thrilling passagework, making it a piece that balances night-time reflection with composerly boldness.

Source:
Sheet Music: IMLSP
Music: https://www.classicals.de/chopin-coll...

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