About this work: (This 2011 version has been superseded by the 2011 version, 2012 update. Please go to the updated version, which is accompanied by additional information.)
This is an improved version of the 1983 "Nocturne I" listed in my Compositions.
It is the sixth in a set of ten piano pieces first posted in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. This 2011 version has numerous small improvements to the score, the playback, and a few in the music itself. More and better fingering numbers and pedal markings.
“Nocturne”, the most sophisticated of the pieces, is the most difficult to play and requires the most skill in interpretation. Once it is mastered, the result is very emotionally stirring, beautiful, romantic music that is sure to please the listeners and inspire them to hear it again.
The recording here is that of the computer playback of the score, thus the sound quality is not as good as that of a real piano. The play is rather mechanical, and there are a few glitches in this recording. An improved recording will be forthcoming. All of the pieces in the set sound significantly better when played well on an acoustic piano – the more complex the piece, the more so. “Nocturne” is the most complex of the ten.
The indicated duration (3 minutes, 2 seconds) is that of the computer playback.
The titles of the pieces are:
1. Mazurka March
2. Ballad
3. First Love, in May
4. Hispanic Rhapsody (Excerpt)
5. Hymn of Consolation
6. Nocturne
7. Spanish Sonatina
8. Variations on a Game
9. Venetian Cadence
10. Rondo Refrain (designed for improvisation between the repeated “refrain” section)
If the pieces are all played on one occasion, I recommend that they be played in the given order.
To help the pianist interpret the pieces, performance recommendations and options are placed in boxes on each of the scores.