Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2

Frédéric Chopin

RomanticIconicnocturneE-flat majorAndante12/8~4.5 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 8ABRSM 7

About this piece

This is perhaps the most beloved of Chopin's nocturnes, featuring a deeply songful melody that evokes a serene night atmosphere. Its distinctive character comes from the interplay between the bel canto melody and the steady, swaying left-hand accompaniment.

Teacher notes

The primary challenge is balancing the two-against-three polyrhythm while maintaining a seamless, vocal quality in the melody.

Technical focus

cantabilepolyrhythmrubatovoicingornamentation

Mood

lyricaltenderserene

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2 by Frédéric Chopin?

Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2 is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2?

A typical performance of Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2 lasts about 4.5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2?

Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Nocturne in E-flat major, No. 2?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Étude in E major, No. 3 by Frédéric Chopin, Prelude in D-flat major, No. 15 by Frédéric Chopin, Nocturne in B-flat minor, No. 1 by Frédéric Chopin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.