Nocturnes, Book 2: Piano Book

$8.99 USD

Nocturnes, Book 2: Piano Book

Name: Nocturnes, Book 2: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-46288
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: InStock

6 Romantic-Style Solos for Piano

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Intermediate / Late Intermediate

Item: 00-46288

$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 2 contains the last 6 of 14 nocturnes at the intermediate to late intermediate levels. Titles: Nocturne No. 9 in A Minor * Nocturne No. 10 in F Major * Nocturne No. 11 in D Major * Nocturne No. 12 in D-flat Major * Nocturne No. 13 in G Major * Nocturne No. 14 in F Minor. 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 2: 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: 1-4706-3962-9

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-3962-4

UPC: 038081534961

SKU: 00-46288

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped music education for decades through his prolific output of pedagogically sound piano compositions. Beginning his partnership with Alfred Music Publishing in 1986, he has created more than 400 publications and recordings that have established him as one of the most widely performed educational piano composers internationally. His career spans faculty positions at the University of Montana (where he led the piano department and taught pedagogy for 24 years), Cal State Fullerton, and Cal State Northridge, along with an active private teaching studio.

Beyond the classroom, Alexander maintains a distinguished performing career as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. He has appeared at Carnegie Recital Hall, collaborated with internationally recognized artists, and conducted master classes at the Music Teachers National Association convention. His compositions have been commissioned by numerous state and regional organizations, and his influence extends globally through teaching tours across Asia and participation in international music competitions. He currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he continues composing and presenting clinics at music teachers conventions.

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Why we love this

Alexander captures the intimate character of the nocturne genre without sacrificing the technical foundation that intermediate students need to develop. These six pieces balance melodic lyricism with left-hand patterns that feel natural to execute, making them ideal for students who are ready to explore Romantic-era aesthetics but still benefit from clarity and accessibility. The collection's inclusion on the 2024-2028 Federation Festivals list confirms their suitability for both recitals and competitive performance.

What to expect

Each nocturne invites you into a quiet, introspective moment. Lyrical melodies unfold over gently rippling accompaniment patterns, creating the sense of gazing out a window at night. The harmonies are rich and expressive, allowing for moments of both tenderness and subtle emotional depth.

Who it's for

Intermediate to late intermediate pianists ready to explore Romantic-era character pieces with technical confidence. These nocturnes suit students preparing for recitals or music festival competitions who want to develop sophistication in touch, pedaling, and phrase shaping without overextending their technical range.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the lyrical melodic lines with gentle phrasing that mirrors the vocal quality of a singer; think of breathing naturally rather than sustaining mechanical legato.
Keep the left-hand arpeggiation flowing underneath the melody without allowing it to dominate; imagine the accompaniment as a supporting voice rather than a featured partner.
Use the pedal thoughtfully to enhance harmonic color and blend, especially in passages with richer harmonic movement; change it frequently enough to preserve clarity.
Approach dynamic contrasts with subtlety, as nocturnes thrive on quiet introspection rather than dramatic shifts; let the emotional arc emerge through refined touch control.

How to use it

These nocturnes work beautifully as standalone recital pieces or as a set within a longer program that explores Romantic piano literature. Consider pairing one or two with contrasting works to demonstrate your student's range of expression, or program the entire book across a season of student recitals to showcase progression in artistic maturity.