MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Chopin-The Complete Nocturnes, The Complete Impromptus

Chopin's magical Nocturnes (he wrote 21 of them in all) are some of the most exquisite little gems ever written for the piano. The title "nocturne" was coined by the Irish composer and pianist John Field, but it was Chopin who developed the form and took it to new heights. As you'd expect, the Nocturnes are (generally) quiet, reflective pieces with song-like melodies, just right for night-time listening.
The Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau was considered one of the very greatest of last century, and loved Chopin's music deeply. Asked once what he considered to be the peak of Chopin's output, Arrau replied, "I think some of the Nocturnes."