The second of Chopin's nocturnes, this C sharp minor effort bears no opus number and was not published until 1870, more than 20 years after the composer's death. This was one of the last compositions Chopin wrote before departing Poland, which he would never see again, owing to the political turmoil resulting from the 1830 uprising which left him a political exile, forced to spend his remaining years in France.

After a brief, rather sober introduction, Chopin presents a dark theme whose beauty is both subtle and direct, unfolding sadly in its fluttering trills and gray mists. Towards the middle, the music suggests a certain playfulness, hinting even at joy. But the forlorn main theme returns with its gentle gloom to cast a languorous and lasting pall over the musical landscape. Atmospherically, this is one of Chopin's stronger nocturnes, thanks not only to the imaginative thematic wares, but also to the subtle harmonies, which deftly underpin the melody and help to forge the dark colors and captivating mood of the piece.

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