Nocturne no.4 - Op.15 no.1: F-major

Recording by Sviatoslav Richter

I really liked how the sections of this nocturne contrast so starkly. The first sections is like a lullaby; it goes on for such a decent amount of time that you think that's what's going to happen for the whole nocturne. But Chopin surprises when he whips out this thunderous section that just comes out of nowhere.

Nocturne no.3 - Op.9 no.3: B-major

Recording by Ashkenazy

I like how this nocturne is (and I think most of Chopin's nocturnes are) so methodically organized. The left hand arpeggiates chords while the right hand plays the melody and plays around with rhythm and non-chord tones.

Nocturne no.2 - Op.9 no.2: Eb-major

Recording by Rubinstein

This is one of the very famous nocturnes by Chopin. I appreciate the huge leaps that Chopin takes in the melody.

Nocturne no.1 - Op.9 no.1: Bb-minor

Recording by Rubinstein

This nocturne has a number of moments where things seem all peaceful and alright, and then a different chord sets in or non-chord tone, etc., which leads one to the conclusion that things aren't as okay as they seem.

I also appreciate how beautifully and realistically the melody sings. This is partly to do with how Chopin wrote/phrased the melody and also has to do with how Rubinstein played it.

Chopin Mazurka in G, Op.posth.S1 No.2a (BI 16)

Recording by Ashkenazy

This mazurka has a very strong waltz feel to it, unlike some of the other mazurkas where the pulse is on a weak beat.

Mazurka in D, Op.posth.P2 No.2 (BI 71)

Recording by Ashkenazy

This mazurkas has a trio, too! Also, now that I think about it, Chopin's mazurkas don't tend to go that high up in terms of register, but this one does.

Mazurka in D, Op.posth.A1 No.1 (BI 4) (Mazurek)

Recording by Ashkenazy

I thought that it was interesting that there was a trio section in this mazurka, even though the mazurka is only about a minute long.