All,

I just recorded the Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 1, available at:

http://www.savefile.com/files/1771475

Enjoy! Comments welcome.

Chris

I'm learning this Nocturne myself, but I have to admit that the beginning has to be much faster than this. As it is now, it sounds robotic and monotonous. No offense.

Great job on 1:05-1:20!

When you move to the left-hand legato part, the piece is a *lot* more lively because you're playing it faster with rubato.

However, you're playing the part at 3:15 onwards *WAY* too fast! It's supposed to be medium speed and light. I'd suggest listening to some guys like Claude Arrau perform it and you'd get a better idea as to what tempo these sections should be performed.

Strat, thanks for the comments. No offense taken!

The 1st part could have been a bit faster, but I wouldn't go too much faster. I just listened again to Rubenstein's playing of this on Youtube, and I think he misses the point by taking this part *too* fast.

At 3:15 onward, I think you're right, I should have slowed down a bit because it feels somewhat rushed rather than just the intensity I intended. But I don't think it was "way" too fast. The intensity of this piece begins its final ascent at about 3:15 and reaches its peak at the con forza where the descending thirds begin. But the intensity must remain in muted form, like reverberations, throughout the subsequent pp section, right up until the re-introduction of the original theme.

My $0.02 of course. :-)

Regards,
Chris

Rubenstein's version of this is honestly not anything I'd go on. His playing on this video is extremely fast.

You need to slow down a LOT in the 3:15 onwards section!

PM me if you want an MP3 of how it should be performed and you'll notice subtleties in Chopin's writing that'll shine through with the slower tempo. You'll see what I mean when you listen to it.

Hello Chris,

I´m a layman, but this nocturne is my favorite one ( to listen & to play). I do think it's too slow, but still I enjoyed your version. In my opinion it wasn't monotonus att all.On the contrary, I admired your expression. I don't have practiced ears, but I liked it.

Greetings, Shirley

Thanks, shir.