Inspired by John Field’s (An Irish composer and pianist) model of the Nocturne, Chopin added his own characteristics such as elements of chromaticism and irregular rhythms into his own Nocturnes. The Nocturne is usually in triple meter and simple ternary form (A-B-A). Section A consists of bel-canto melodic line, imitating the aria from an opera with embellishments, accompanied by broken chords on the left hand while Section B contains dramatic elements that provide a strong contrast from Section A.
Nocturnes, Op. 9 consist of three sets of Nocturnes and were composed partly in Vienna and completed in Paris from 1830-1831 and first published in 1832-1833 in Germany, England, and France. Chopin dedicated the Nocturnes to Marie Pleyel, who is the wife of French publisher and pianist, Camille Pleyel. Nocturne No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 starts with an expressive melody without any accompaniment. Later, the opening theme enters with fiorituri, an embellishment in a melody which sounds like vocal improvisations. The right hand imitates an operatic voice while the left hand plays the role of an instrumental accompaniment with broken chords. This overall sad piece ends with an unexpected B-flat major chord in Picardy third that perhaps hint a happy