Three Nocturnes, Opus 9, is a set of piano pieces from 1832 written by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849). Although Chopin did not invent the nocturne, he popularized and expanded on it, building on the form developed by Irish composer John Field. This set of three was the first of many he published, and arguably the most famous set. The first in the set is simply gorgeous in its rich melodies, the even more melodious and very famous second is a perennial favourite (I used to play this on on the organ), the playful third is bittersweet. All three are great and different, and this set is my all-time favourite among compositions for piano solo. The average playing time is 17 minutes. My version is by Vladimir Ashkenazy on a Decca/London double CD.
