Works

Information about the work and context of creation

Because Nocturne in B flat was published (posthumously) in 1852 and differs in style from many of Szymanowska’s works, doubts have been expressed about its authenticity. However, there is a plausible explanation: Between the years 1828 and 1831, when the Nocturne was composed, Szymanowska had more time to devote to personal activities. Until then, responsibility for her children, the demands of an active social life, and the exigencies of a professional career demanded most of her attention. But in her permanent home in St. Petersburg, she was free to pursue some long-delayed projects. One of these activities was collecting her compositions and copying them into one album. 

Nocturne in B flat Major, with a more sophisticated, slow and reflective style than the first nocturne, it presents the melody with a barcarolle movement that sometimes evokes a nationalist character. The controversy about its authorship arises from its posthumous publication and not from its composition dating between 1828-1831. 

Two other relevant composers of Romanticism were Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847) and Clara Wieck-Schumann (1819-1896). The three were in charge of distinguished musical halls, which were also great centers of musical innovation. They gave concerts with interpretations of high technical quality and 
They could relate to the great intellectuals of their time, which is why they turned out to be the ideal medium for the development of the talent of these artists. 

As predecessors in the field of composition and performance with keyboard instruments we can remember the Spanish Gracia Baptista (c. 1557?) in the Renaissance and the French Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729) in the Baroque. Already in Classicism, the Austrians Marianne von Martinez (1744-1812) and María Theresia von Paradis (1759-1824) stood out; the Germans Ana Amalia de Weimar (1739-1807), Corona Schroeter (1751-1803) and María Antonia Walpurgis (1724-1780); the Italians Anna Bon di Venezia (1738-1769?) and Maddalena Laura Lombardini-Sirmen (1745-1818); the French Hélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836) or the Dutch Isabelle de Charrière (1740-1805). 

And as successors, later composers and pianists continue to develop this legacy, among whom we can highlight figures such as Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979), Amy Beach (1867-1944), Ethel Smyth ( 1858-1944), and many more, already in the 20th century and also Polish Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969), one of the most important authors of contemporary music. 

Indications

Nocturne in B flat Major is Maria Szymanowska most mature piano composition.

In Secondary School it is recommended when dealing with current classical music and in active listening activities.

In artistic musical studies in the subject of Piano Performance. 

At the University, in subjects with competences in listening, didactics and musical analysis, making visible and valuing the music of female composers. 

Documents