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Chopin Nocturne in E minor Op. 72 No. 1: piano tutorial

A nocturne Chopin wrote at seventeen: melancholy, singing and more approachable than the famous ones.

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About the piece

Chopin composed it around 1827, still in Warsaw, but did not publish it: it came out in 1855, after his death, as Op. 72.

The left hand spreads wide triplet arpeggios, the right sings a simple melody that grows richer towards the end.

How to practise it

  1. The left-hand arpeggios are the foundation: practise them alone until they flow effortlessly.
  2. Play the melody singing, over a lighter left hand.
  3. Watch out for the “3 against 2” spots between the hands: slowly at first.
  4. Pedal at every change of bass.

Free sheet music

Nocturne in E minor – 1

First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (CC BY-SA 4.0, edition by Benjamin D. Esham); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easier than Op. 9 No. 2?

Yes, it is generally considered more approachable: fewer ornaments and a simple structure.

Why is it “posthumous”?

Because it was published after Chopin's death in 1849.

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