nocturne texture
English era
Definition
The characteristic piano texture of the Romantic nocturne — a singing, ornamental melody in the right hand over a wide, arpeggiated accompaniment in the left.
Interpretive Guidance
Associated with John Field's invention and Chopin's perfection of the form. The left hand spans large intervals (often an octave or more) and must not intrude on the melodic voice. The melody ornaments and develops as a singer might improvise.