Nocturne Op.9 No.2 (1832) – Frédéric Chopin

Nocturne op.9 No.2 is the third composition from Chopin to be presented here after the last entry – Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15. A friend sent me this piece a few years ago and I was captivated. For that reason, I bought my daughter this children’s book (image inset) which included a CD of 15 of some of Chopin’s greatest compositions. This was our first ‘proper’ taste hearing Chopin’s music. Interestingly, it doesn’t include today’s exquisite piece, but it does have Nocturne No1.

Below are some cool excerpts from the book and my humble attempt to translate it for you:

Do you feel like going on a big trip? So get ready to go with your friends Do and Mi to know the life of Chopin. No need to pack: just start your magic CD and you will travel to another time. Have fun!

The siblings landed in Poland in the middle of a palace garden where Chopin lived in his childhood. ‘How lucky, so much space to play’. Over there is Chopin. ‘Let’s see what he is drawing’, said Do approaching the child composer.

Son of a Frenchman and Polish woman, Chopin was born 22 de February, 1810. Before he could learn to read he wanted to compose melodies. When he was 8-years old he played for large audiences and at 15 he was considered the finest pianist in Warsaw. A huge round of applause for him!

Chopin wanted tranquility but in Warsaw large marching bands and the yells from angry people annoyed him. So, he decided to move to Paris where he discovered fame, luxury and high fashion. He was so vain that he spent a fortune on tailors and hairdressers.

In Paris everyone celebrated the arrival of Chopin. ‘Who wants to play the game – To see who can catch the most top-hats’? He was renowned as the ‘Prince of Pianists’. Chopin fell in love with a Baroness and writer who signed his books with the name: George Sand. The artist couple moved to the Mediterranean Island Mallorca where they lived surrounded by water, art and music.

Chopin died in Paris at age 39. His last wishes were that they play Mozart at his funeral and let his heart rest forever in the Warsaw Cathedral. ‘He loved his country, like we love ours. Let’s go back home’.
Mi opened his arms like they were wings of an airplane.

Wiki article below:

The Nocturnes, Op. 9 are a set of three nocturnes for solo piano written and 1832, published in 1832, and dedicated to Madame Marie Pleyel. A Nocturne is a short composition of a romantic nature, typically for piano. These were Chopin’s first published set of nocturnes. Today’s piece the second nocturne of the work is often regarded as Chopin’s most famous piece.

References:
1. Nocturnes, Op. 9 (Chopin) – Wikipedia