Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2
Chopin’s best-known nocturne – the melody sounds freely improvised but is precisely notated.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Frédéric Chopin
- Year
- 1832
- Origin
- Three Nocturnes, Op. 9
- Key
- E♭ major
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The left hand spans wide bass figures while the right ornaments freely above. That calls for independence of the hands and rhythmic freedom.
The real hurdle
The left hand reaches beyond a tenth and must still stay quiet while the right hand ornaments.
How long does it take?
Several months; the ornaments take longest.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
The wide leaps in the left hand need 88 keys and a pedal that separates bass from melody.
Instruments that suit it
Roland FP-E50 EU approx. €690–780Portable digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 EU approx. €2,200–2,600The Clavinova upper class: GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys – CFX plus Bösendorfer Imperial on board.
Kawai MP11SE EU approx. €2,200–2,350Stage piano with Grand Feel action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2?
The left hand spans wide bass figures while the right ornaments freely above. That calls for independence of the hands and rhythmic freedom.
What key is Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2 in?
Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2 is in E♭ major.
How many keys do you need for Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2?
Frédéric Chopin, 1832.
Can you download the sheet music for Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2 for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2?
Several months; the ornaments take longest.
If this suits you
Moonlight Sonata (1. Satz) Ludwig van BeethovenBeethoven’s most famous Adagio – slow, dark and technically surprisingly approachable.
Clair de Lune Claude DebussyDebussy’s moonlight – sounds floating and light, yet is the most demanding piece on this list.