How To Teach Chopin's Nocturne in C-sharp Minor
Today we’re talking about how to teach the Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, opus posthumous. This is a difficult piece to navigate because editors have argued over what Chopin actually wrote or intended. However, it is a well-loved favorite for students and a good introduction to Chopin’s Nocturnes.
Recommended editions:
Alfred Masterworks of the Chopin Nocturnes (Willard Palmer
Encore! Book 3 (Jane Magrath)
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
RCM Level 9
Illinois AIM Level 10
Jane Magrath Level 10
Topics highlighted in the video below:
C-sharp minor key signature and scales
Primary harmonies used in C-sharp minor, including F-sharp minor and G-sharp major, meaning there are several accidentals including E-sharp, B-sharp, and F-double-sharp
LH execution of broken open triad accompaniment
Cantabile RH melody, with beautiful phrasing
Improvisatory RH lines, including the very fast C-sharp minor scales at the end
I realized after posting the video that I forgot to go back and talk about the introduction! It is deceptively difficult. To that end, I have made a second video covering just those first four measures:
I firmly believe that students should be listening to quality, professional recordings of pieces such as this one (rather than random student performances that they might encounter on YouTube!)
To that end, here’s a beautiful performance I would recommend to my student:
