Claude Debussy - Nocturne

This piece is straightforward in its construction but highly advanced in its harmonies, and links up with the widely popular, 19th-century tradition of the “night piece” or “nocturne” for piano. Its themes and modulations are highly reminiscent of Gabriel Fauré, but in its chromatic voice-leading and unusual treatment of metre – such as in the 7/4 central section – Debussy makes a statement all of his own. Nothing is known about the history of its composition. Debussy’s 1892 contract with his publisher states merely that the composer had originally called it “Interlude”; but then decided upon the far more suitable title of “Nocturne”. One of Debussy’s most popular early piano works, it is now available in a Henle Urtext edition. Read more about this edition in the Henle Blog.