Nocturne in E-flat major Op. 9 No. 2
The Nocturne in E flat major, while not Chopin’s most beautiful, is one of his most popular works, particularly among young pianists. It has been praised for its charm and emotional depth. Critics like Zdzisław Jachimecki have highlighted its stylistic purity, with Chopin using a single theme that is varied through subtle ornamentation. The melody is noted for its fluidity and sweetness, reflecting Chopin’s admiration for Italian song.
An amusing anecdote from Wilhelm von Lenz, a student of both Chopin and Liszt, recounts how Chopin repeatedly marked his performance of the piece with approval, eventually telling him to stop playing it. The Nocturne’s popularity has also led to many transcriptions, particularly for violin, the first of which was made by Karol Lipiński during Chopin’s lifetime.