Chopin - Nocturne in B major, Op.32, No.1

Ivona Kaminska Performs Chopin's Nocturne in B major, Op.32, No.1

The B major Nocturne, Op. 32 (1837) is one of the most unusual works by Chopin within this particular genre. The rich and cheerful opening melody appears only at the beginning of the piece and does not return again, obliterating one’s expectations for rounded formal closure. Instead, the mosaic-like form develops phrases in a stream of conscious manner as they take on new forms within the piece. The most salient feature of this work, however, is the aspect of sudden interruption—many phrases halt on surprising fermatas. This notion later leads to the most inexplicable ending that, till today, causes many interpreters to scratch their heads; it concludes with a striking recitative in a minor modality, bringing with it turbulent outbursts and drawing the piece’s opening optimism to a decisive and unexpected somber conclusion.