Nocturne in B major, Op. 62, No. 1
The Nocturne in B major opens with two introductory chords. After a pause, a melody in B major emerges. At first, the action proceeds gently and smoothly (dolce, legato). The piece soon turns into declamation, led by a voice in the upper register, and after a rapid scale in the right hand, there is a quick reprise of the main theme. Then, the B section of this ternary formed (A-B-A) piece begins.
The middle section, in the distant key of A♭ major, is marked sostenuto and legatissimo. Though it begins softly, it can also be described as inhibited, showing unease, triggered by the play of syncopation of the left-hand chords. Chopin ends this section with harmonic subtlety and delicacy.
The main section of the nocturne returns, in the home key of B major. Furthermore, the opening melody is embellished by continuous figuration including many trills, grace notes and runs. The main theme ends with a resolution in B major, in a particularly long coda. The coda ends with a simple and peaceful harmonic phrase. The recurring harmonies from the introductory chord alternate with the tonic B major chord before concluding as an I-V-I cadence.
The embellishment upon the return of the main theme has often been compared to an Italian da capo aria in Italian bel canto style. In the anglophone world, the B major nocturne is named the ‘Tuberose’, an exotic greenhouse flower. James Huneker explains the reason: "the chief tune has charm, a fruity charm’, and its return in the reprise ‘is faint with a sick, rich odor."
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