A Nocturne was original intended to be music inspired by the evening or night-time, but once established the name was given to many evocative works, often relaxed or poetic in nature. Frederic Chopin is one of the most famous composers of Nocturnes, and in total he has 21 pieces of music labelled as Nocturnes. Only 18 Nocturnes were published during Chopin's life. The Nocturne No.20 in C-sharp minor wasn't originally labelled as a Nocturne, but it has all the hallmarks of the form so later publishers called it Nocturne No.20. After a short introduction, the right-hand plays a melodic line while the left accompanies with broken chords. There melody is developed and flows through a number of episodes. The most surprising episode is the middle section which is in 3/4 time whose triplet rhythm in the left-hand seems to give a Spanish quality to the music. The melody returns in an altered format and the piece ends after a series of up and down glissandi.
You can see the Nocturne No.20 below (by scrolling down past the video), or download PDF Sheet Music, MIDI and MP3 files using the links in the left-hand menu. Here is an alternative video which uses a graphical animation to illustrate the music. The complete set of Chopin Nocturnes is highly recommended for the more advanced pianist and is available in a number of editions, such as the Shirmer edition (which has 19 Nocturnes) from Sheet Music Plus (US) or The Music Room (UK); or the Urtext edition (with all 21 Nocturnes but a little more expensive) from Sheet Music Plus or The Music Room.
Free Piano Sheet Music – Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. – Chopin
Free Piano Sheet Music - Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. - Chopin. Enjoy!
Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. (pdf)
Professional Recording
Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. - 1 Page Version (pdf)
Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. - 2 Page Version (pdf)
Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. - 3 Page Version (pdf)
Nocturne No. 20 in C# Minor, Op. Post. - Sibelius File
Other Key Signatures
A Minor (pdf)
B Minor (pdf)
C Minor (pdf)
D Minor (pdf)
E Minor (pdf)
F# Minor (pdf)
G Minor (pdf)
Other Resources
More Piano Sheet Music
Michael Kravchuk
"For over 20 years we have provided legal access to free sheet music.
If you use and like Free-scores.com, please consider making a donation."
About / Member testimonies
Piano solo
Alfred Publishing
$10.99 - See more - Buy online
Pre-shipment lead time: 4 to 6 business days
Piano solo
Schirmer
$10.99 - See more - Buy online
Pre-shipment lead time: 24 hours - In StockSheet music books (shipped from Europe)
53 scores found for "Nocturne in C sharp minor"
Piano solo [Sheet music] - Intermediate/advanced
IMC (International Music Co.)
7.25 GBP - Sold by Musicroom UK
Deutsch
Piano solo [Sheet music]
G. Henle
5.30 EUR - Sold by Note4Piano
Pre-shipment lead time: 3-10 days - In Stock Supplier
Fran�ais
Piano solo [Sheet music]
Hamelle
4.25 GBP - Sold by Musicroom UK
Pre-shipment lead time: In Stock
Piano solo - Intermediate/advanced
ABRSM Publishing
8.95 GBP - Sold by Musicroom UK
Pre-shipment lead time: In StockDigital sheet music (Instant access after purchase)Search on "Nocturne in C sharp minor" in Piano solo