Chopin - Nocturne in E-flat major (Op. 55 No. 2)

The Nocturne in E-flat major Op. 55 No. 2 is an otherworldly, transcendent late work by Chopin. While the texture and melody are in some ways similar to the earlier E-flat major Nocturne, the rich chromatic harmonies and contrapuntal details are hallmarks of the composer's emotional and compositional maturity. This Nocturne is much more difficult to execute than it sounds - especially the challenging trills towards the end!

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[SeeMusicPiano]

The Nocturne in E-flat major Op. 55 No. 2 is an otherworldly, transcendent late work by Chopin. While the texture and melody are in some ways similar to the earlier E-flat major Nocturne, the rich chromatic harmonies and contrapuntal details are hallmarks of the composer's emotional and compositional maturity. This Nocturne is much more difficult to execute than it sounds - especially the challenging trills towards the end! This piece evokes the final moments of a sunset to me, so I chose the orange, red and purple colors of a late sunset.

[arkadiuszswiech]

another underrated noturne. There were many composers, but Chopin was one of a kind.

[Solfonny]

Around 3:40 is maybe the most beatiful moment in a Chopin nocturne for my money. The 5 against 3 figure is a real tearjerker. Transcendent is definitely the right word - these late nocturnes look heavenward like late Beethoven.

[loganm]

My favourite of all the Chopin Nocturnes... perhaps my favourite of his pieces. I'm learning the two Op. 55 nocturnes at the moment as well! Can't wait

[Henri.d.Olivoir]

This nocturne might seem confusing to some, and the sole reason for why that is the case is bacause many fail to notice something about this piece that Chopin hid in plain sight.
The main force of this piece is the dynamic between a duet, whose both voices are played by the right hand.
One can notice the difference in behaviour from these two characters. The higher melody, or voice, seems more optimistic, usually expressing itself more, most often in clearly major and joyful tonalities, always seeming to push upward towards the higher registers of the piano. The second voice is far more introverted, less expressive and pessimistic, always introducing chromatic and minor tonalities, bringing a sense of hopelessness and ever pushing to the lower registers.
The dynamic of constrast or convergence between these two voices is what propells this nocturne forwards. In some instances, the optimistic one tries, to no avail, to lift the heart of the pessimistic one, which, in other occasions, makes its counterpart more melancholic. Eventually, however, it becomes evident the higher optimistic voice is able to enlighten the spirit of its pair, as they both sing together in the end, with the higher voice leaving more place of expression for the lower one, which, in turn, in spite of presenting joyful harmonies, still constantly descends.
The meaning of the relation and dynamic of this pair is absolutely dependent on personal interpretation. Personally, I have two main visions: a young man and a lady profoundly in love with each other, but with difficulties of expressing and declaring those feelings from the former, who is aided by the latter in fighting the troubles of life and giving himself to love. My second view is the interaction between two forces of spirit insine a same person, plagued by doubt, fear and duality, in which the higher voice represents an optimistic side of one's character, and the lower one one's pessimistic side, with both of them interacting with the goal of making the troubles of pessimism to go away.
Regardless of its concrete meaning, which can be whatever fits the narrative told by the piece, this is a phenomenal piece of music, unfortunately, also underrated, mostly due to its often confusing and complex nature.
I wish I was able to help some of you in interpreting and comprehending this work better

[nickplayspiano]

2:10 - 2:31 might be the most beautiful thing Chopin ever wrote… it’s just out of this world, absolutely gorgeous!

[K-chopinetliszt]

Hello SeeMusic,
Amazing performance!! It's very underrated yet beautiful, and as you said before, 'transcendent'!
Thank you for introducing me to this work by Chopin! 🤩🤩💙💙
Have a wonderful day/night, sir.
-K10

[Henri.d.Olivoir]

One more beautiful Chopin nocturne! Thank you, you truly are the best!

[pigeonpapi]

So happy to see you play this one! Love Op 55, amazing job voicing the duet!

[michaeldd]

This is my favorite noturne, thanks for playing it. Your performance is extremely pleasant to listen to, you've made both voices sing and I love it!

[renii]

The duet in the right hand is so difficult and you played it beautiful

[carterday]

Your interpretation of this piece is absolutely incredible! The way you played the part at 2:58 is amazing I’ve never heard anyone play it like that. Amazing work!

[Henri.d.Olivoir]

Seriously, you really did excel with this one, this is extra beautiful!

[hllparb]

One of my most favorite pieces by Chopin. Just listening to it gives me shivers, a feeling I rarely get when listening to music. Definitely on my list to play!!!!

[ElegantiaDulcis]

2:13-2:30 wonderful, simply beautiful❤

[ShadowElipse]

One of the most beautifully played versions of this song. Well done SeeMusic. Keep up the wonderful work. I love it! 🎉

[thejelinkofamily]

When I first heard 3:41, I thought it was some contemporary arrangement. I was astonished that is was actually from Chopin. It is in my opinion the most beautiful and captivating melody he ever wrote. Most underrated nocturne of them all, fantastic performance.

[boyleiidea]

Very Beautiful!
I've been using See music for my practice (just to see where I mess up) And I really like it!
I hope you keep playing the piano in the amazing way you have been! Keep it up!

God Bless! Merry Christmas!

[diegoalejandrorojasroa]

El único nocturno de Chopin que me hizo llorar 😭 por el final. 3:49

[petalprelude]

this is a wonderful nocturne, has been my favorite for a while now and it seems like it will remain as so :))
it may seem strange but this video changed my life for the better. like a lot. so thank you so much for this video. wonderful interpretation of the nocturne :DD