Maria Agata Szymanowska - Nocturne in B flat Major・Nancy Fierro

Nocturne in B flat Major (1852)
Maria Agata Szymanowska (1789-1831)
Maria Agata Szymanowska became the first Polish pianist of stature and is considered Chopin’s most influential predecessor. She began piano studies with her mother, then continued briefly with Irish pianist and composer John Field whom history credits with inventing the Romantic Nocturne. Szymanowska introduced the Nocturne to Poland where years later Chopin transformed it into one of the most poetic and expressive forms for solo piano.
Maria’s Nocturne in B flat Major, published posthumously, is one of her most eloquent works for piano. She designed it as a large Song form. The music opens with a cantabile melody accompanied by arpeggiated chords. Her melody expands beautifully in more and more embellished versions as the music develops. Midway, she contrasts the cantilena with two fantasy sections, one dark and dramatic and the other showing nationalistic character. The Nocturne closes with a charming bell-like section played in the piano’s upper register.
Szymanowska enjoyed a successful career both as a concert pianist and composer. Critics often remarked on her masterful technique and rich tone. Most of her of 110 compositions found immediate publication in her lifetime.

[@michaelpaulprod]

Thank you Nancy. A beautiful interpretation.

[@vsbmusic]

Refreshing interpretation!

[@frankienobert]

Thank you for the beautiful, sensitive performance, Nancy.

[@noellecompinskytinturinpiano]

Brava, Nancy! Thank you for introducing this lovely, lyrical composition with your admirable interpretation!

[@semafor5640]

Przepięknie! Pozdrawiam z Polski!

[@sandracoopersmith3508]

Beautiful! Truly enjoyed this. You honored my Polish heritage with your wonderful interpretation.

[@mariansilverman9929]

This is lovely, and a tribute to composer and to your interpretation

[@bernadettecarter6]

Bravo!