Nocturnes, Book 1: Piano Book

$8.99 USD

Nocturnes, Book 1: Piano Book

Name: Nocturnes, Book 1: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-46287
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: InStock

8 Romantic-Style Solos for Piano

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Early Intermediate / Intermediate

Item: 00-46287

$8.99

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Nocturnes represent quiet and meditative night music. Typically found in nocturnes are lyrical melodic lines, beautiful harmonies, and left-hand arpeggiated accompaniment patterns. Each nocturne in this collection has these qualities along with their own unique character, mood, and sophisticated sound. The pieces are meant to encourage students to better understand the beauty and elegance of the Romantic-period style. Similar in style and form to those of Fréderic Chopin, these technically accessible nocturnes are suitable for student recitals and competitions.
Book 1 contains the first 8 of 14 nocturnes for early intermediate to intermediate pianists. Titles: Nocturne No. 1 in C Major * Nocturne No. 2 in E Minor * Nocturne No. 3 in F Major * Nocturne No. 4 in D Minor * Nocturne No. 5 in G Major * Nocturne No. 6 in A Minor * Nocturne No. 7 in G Minor * Nocturne No. 8 in D Major. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Nocturnes, Book 1: Piano Book comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Nocturnes

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 24

ISBN10: 1-4706-3961-0

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-3961-7

UPC: 038081534954

SKU: 00-46287

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped music education for decades through his prolific output as a composer. Beginning his partnership with Alfred Music Publishing in 1986, he has since created over 400 publications and recordings that have established him as one of the most widely performed composers of educational piano music across all student levels. His work is distinguished by its musicality, accessibility, and genuine understanding of what students at each stage need to play.

Alexander's teaching experience spans multiple institutions and roles. He held the position of piano department chair at the University of Montana for 24 years, where he taught applied piano, class piano, and piano pedagogy before retiring in 1996. He later taught at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge while maintaining a private studio. His contributions to the field extend beyond composition and teaching; he has performed extensively as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician, including his 1987 New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall. A respected clinician at music teachers conventions and a former president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association, Alexander continues to compose actively and tour internationally from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Why we love this

Alexander captures the essence of Romantic-period piano writing without overwhelming early intermediate students. These nocturnes deliver genuine musical substance: lyrical melodies, sophisticated harmonies, and idiomatic left-hand patterns that feel pianistic rather than mechanical. Students gain real exposure to the nocturne tradition established by Chopin while building repertoire that resonates in recitals and competitions.

What to expect

Quiet introspection meets refined elegance. Each nocturne unfolds with lyrical grace, its melody singing above gently rolling arpeggios that suggest moonlight and solitude. The harmonic language is rich enough to reward listening, yet the technical demands remain manageable, allowing students to focus on tone quality and emotional expression.

Who it's for

Early intermediate through intermediate pianists seeking substantial repertoire with artistic depth. These pieces are ideal for students preparing for recitals or competitions who have moved beyond simplified arrangements and are ready to explore Romantic-era style with confidence.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the melody through subtle dynamic variation rather than aggressive accent. The arpeggiated accompaniment should create a consistent harmonic cushion underneath.
Approach the left-hand patterns rhythmically as a component of the harmonic language, not merely as accompaniment. Listen to the voice-leading in those figures.
Allow silence and space to breathe. Nocturnes thrive on restraint and intimate pacing rather than forward momentum.
Experiment with gentle pedal changes aligned to harmonic shifts rather than holding the sustain pedal continuously throughout.

How to use it

Feature individual nocturnes as standalone recital pieces or group several from the collection into a thematic set. The variety of keys and moods across Book 1 makes it easy to program pieces back-to-back as contrasting selections or to intersperse them throughout a mixed repertoire concert.

Skills your students will build

Playing arpeggiated left-hand accompaniment patterns with rhythmic independence from the melody
Shaping lyrical melodic lines with subtle dynamic gradation and phrasing
Understanding Romantic-period harmonic language and voice-leading
Building tone control and sustaining singing quality over longer passages
Interpreting character and mood through tempo and pedal choices