John Field (1782–1837), an Irish-born composer, is widely credited with the invention of the Nocturne, a form that would later be perfected by Chopin. His style is characterized by a singing, lyrical quality and a delicate accompaniment that relies heavily on the sustaining pedal. For the pianist, Field’s music requires a beautiful, cantabile touch and a relaxed, graceful approach to ornamentation. His work represents a pivotal moment in the development of the Romantic piano style, focusing on mood and atmosphere rather than traditional virtuosic display.