Nocturne in E-flat major, H. 24

The Nocturne in E♭ major by John Field – the Irish composer who invented the nocturne as a genre – is one of the first true night pieces in piano literature. A dreamy, singing melody sways over gentle arpeggios: a still, moonlit atmosphere that Chopin absorbed, made his own language, and brought to world fame. Those who love Chopin will find the source here.

Difficulty: intermediate (ABRSM Grade 6–7). The piece calls for flowing left-hand arpeggios, refined pedalling and cultivated tone awareness – less virtuosic fingerwork than sensitive timing and expressive shaping. Ideal for advancing students after 4–5 years of piano lessons and adults who wish to explore romantic piano music at a serious level.

At approximately 4 minutes, the piece is compact – and deeply moving. This carefully edited edition presents it across 5 pages with clear notation, an open layout and practical page turns: an edition that gives the music the space it deserves.