John Field, Irish pianist and composer (b. 1782)

John Field, born on 26 July 1782 in Dublin, Ireland, and passing away on 23 January 1837, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of classical music. An accomplished Irish pianist, prolific composer, and influential teacher, Field played a crucial role in bridging the Classical and Romantic eras. His innovative contributions, particularly to piano literature, left an indelible mark on subsequent generations of composers and performers.

The Birth of the Nocturne

Field is universally recognised as the inventor of the nocturne, a lyrical and often melancholic character piece typically composed for the piano, designed to evoke the atmosphere of night. He composed approximately 18 nocturnes, laying the foundational framework for this genre. While Frédéric Chopin later popularised and significantly expanded upon the form, Field's pioneering work established the characteristic features: a singing, expressive melody, often in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing, arpeggiated left-hand accompaniment, creating a dreamlike, intimate, and often contemplative mood. This innovation profoundly influenced the development of Romantic piano music.

A Figure in Russian Literature

Field's renown extended far beyond the concert hall, reaching into the literary world, particularly in Russia. His fame is underscored by his mentions in the works of Leo Tolstoy, a testament to his significant cultural impact. In Tolstoy's epic novel, War and Peace, Field is referenced in passing when Countess Rostova requests the household musician to play her favourite nocturne, highlighting his music's popularity among the Russian aristocracy. More directly, in Tolstoy's autobiographical novel Childhood, the narrator explicitly states Field's role as a teacher: "Mamma was playing Field's second concerto. Field had been her master." This passage suggests Field's direct influence on the musical education of prominent Russian families, cementing his legacy as an esteemed pedagogue in Russia.

Early Life and Musical Training

Born into a musical family in Dublin—his grandfather was an organist and his father a professional violinist—John Field received his initial musical education in his native city. Among his early instructors was the Italian composer Tommaso Giordani, an established figure in Dublin's musical scene. The family's relocation to London soon after marked a crucial turning point in Field's development. There, he entered into a demanding apprenticeship with Muzio Clementi, a celebrated Italian composer, pianist, and piano manufacturer, often hailed as the "father of modern piano playing." Under Clementi's rigorous tutelage, Field's prodigious talent blossomed, and he rapidly gained recognition as a formidable and highly sought-after concert pianist. This period of intensive study laid the groundwork for his virtuosity and compositional style.

Years in Russia and Entrepreneurial Endeavors

In 1802, Clementi embarked on a European tour, taking his exceptionally gifted pupil Field with him. This journey included stops in major musical centers such as Paris and Vienna, culminating in their arrival in St. Petersburg, then the capital of the Russian Empire. It was in St. Petersburg that a significant turning point occurred for Field. While the exact circumstances surrounding his decision to remain in Russia are somewhat ambiguous, it is widely believed that Clementi left Field there, likely as a sales representative for the flourishing Clementi Pianos business. Field found immense success in Russia, establishing himself as a prominent performer and teacher for over three decades. His long tenure in Russia allowed him to profoundly influence the burgeoning Russian musical scene, particularly in the realm of piano music.

Enduring Influence and Legacy

John Field was held in high regard by his contemporaries, and his distinctive playing style, characterized by a refined legato touch and expressive use of the pedal, along with his innovative compositions, significantly influenced many of the most celebrated Romantic composers. His impact is particularly evident in the works of:

• Frédéric Chopin: Chopin's nocturnes directly built upon Field's pioneering work, adopting the lyrical, singing melodic lines and the expressive, often arpeggiated accompaniments, though Chopin developed the form to new heights of complexity and emotional depth.
• Johannes Brahms: While less direct, Field's contribution to the development of piano lyricism and technique indirectly informed the broader Romantic tradition that Brahms inherited.
• Robert Schumann: Schumann expressed admiration for Field's compositions and playing, recognizing his unique voice in the early Romantic landscape.
• Franz Liszt: Liszt was a staunch admirer of Field, even editing a collection of his nocturnes and actively promoting his music, acknowledging Field's seminal role in piano literature.

Despite the challenges in fully documenting his extensive activities during his long stay in Russia, Field undeniably made substantial contributions to the concert life and pedagogical practices of the country. He played a foundational role in the development of the Russian piano school, imparting European virtuosity and a sophisticated musical aesthetic to a new generation of Russian musicians. His notable students included:

• Charles Mayer (Prussian pianist and composer)
• Alexandre Dubuque (Franco-Russian composer)
• Antoine de Kontski (Polish pianist and composer)

These students, in turn, propagated Field's teachings and influence, ensuring his legacy continued to shape piano performance and composition in Russia and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Field

What is John Field primarily known for?

John Field is best known as the inventor of the nocturne, a lyrical piano piece that captures the essence of night. His pioneering work set the standard for this popular genre, profoundly influencing later composers like Frédéric Chopin.

How did John Field influence Frédéric Chopin?

Chopin directly adopted the structure, lyrical melody, and arpeggiated accompaniment style characteristic of Field's nocturnes. Field's focus on a singing tone (bel canto) and expressive pianism laid the groundwork for Chopin's own masterful compositions in the genre.

What was John Field's connection to Russia?

Field spent over three decades in Russia, primarily in St. Petersburg, where he established a highly successful career as a concert pianist and influential teacher. He played a crucial role in the development of the Russian piano school and was well-regarded among the Russian aristocracy, as evidenced by his mentions in Leo Tolstoy's novels.

Who was Muzio Clementi and what was his relationship with John Field?

Muzio Clementi was a prominent Italian composer, pianist, and piano manufacturer, often called the "father of modern piano playing." Field was his apprentice in London, living and studying under him. Clementi later took Field on a European tour, eventually leaving him in St. Petersburg to promote Clementi Pianos.

Did John Field teach Leo Tolstoy's mother?

In Leo Tolstoy's autobiographical novel Childhood, the narrator explicitly states that Field was his mother's teacher ("Field had been her master"). While a fictional portrayal, this detail highlights Field's significant reputation and standing as a piano instructor among the upper classes in Russia during his time there.