Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 09/19/2006, uploaded on 01/15/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Nocturne in f minor         Manuel de Falla

Nocturne in A-flat Major, Opus 32 No. 2       Frederic Chopin

Nocturne in f minor               Manuel de Falla

Although almost one hundred years separate the composition of the two nocturnes that will close today's program, the pieces seem to share a fascination with long and melancholic melodic lines. The Nocturne in A-Flat Major by Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849) is typical of that composer's employment of pedaled broken chords and expansive thematic lyricism. The Nocturne in f minor by Spanish composer Manuel de Falla (1876 - 1946) was completed when he was only fifteen. The influence of Chopin is evident not only in the formal structure of the nocturne, but also in the figurations of the accompaniment. The young composer, however, was already demonstrating an interest in national idioms. This is particularly clear in the modal character of the principal theme, which is typical of the folk-tunes and dances of Andalucia.     Michael Tsalka

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.