Field's career in Russia

John Field spent the greater part of his adult life in Russia — first in St. Petersburg from 1803, and later in Moscow — working as a concert pianist and teacher. His move to Russia came about through Clementi's commercial tour, from which Field was effectively left behind as a demonstration model for Clementi's pianos, a role he initially resented but which established his Russian career. In Russia, Field became one of the most celebrated musicians of his era, lionised by aristocratic society, celebrated as a teacher, and performing regularly at the Philharmonic Society. His pupils in Russia included Adolf Henselt, whose own piano writing bears a direct Field influence. Field's health deteriorated from the 1820s — exacerbated by heavy drinking — and his last years were marked by illness and a final European tour. He died in Moscow in 1837.

Understanding Field's Russian context is important for interpreting his music: it was composed for private salons and aristocratic concert rooms rather than large public concert halls, and should be played with that intimacy in mind. The late nocturnes in particular are pieces for private contemplation, not public display. The concertos, though more public in their occasion, still reflect the intimate Russian salon culture in their light orchestration and preference for delicacy over grandeur.