Berceuse op. 57

Chopin's “Berceuse”, composed in 1844, is one of his most frequently performed works and was regarded by subsequent composers as the prototype of the instrumental lullaby. This piece that Chopin initially named “Variantes” was composed around the time of his great Sonata in B minor op. 58 and was renamed “Berceuse” only when it went to print.

In it, the composer systematically subjects a four-measure motif to a series of variants which are linked in a continuous flow over an ostinato figure. This Urtext edition reflects the latest state of Chopin research, offering a definitive musical text based on all available sources. Readings and editorial decisions are documented in the Critical Commentary (Eng) and a detailed Foreword (Ger/Eng) provides information on the work.

Hardy Rittner, a Chopin specialist as well as Professor of Piano at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, has supplemented the composer's fingering from a historically informed perspective. His chapter on performance practice contains valuable notes, particularly on Chopin's pedal indications which clearly diverge in the sources, as well as on tonal nuance, harmonic and melodic interplay, cantabilità and rubato.