What is a NOCTURNE?

INTRODUCE nocturne

Today we will listen to some music inspired by nighttime. There is a very special kind of musical piece inspired by nighttime called a "nocturne." Practice saying that word: nocturne.

Many different composers have written nocturnes. Some nocturnes are written for orchestra, voice, or several different instruments, but most often, they are for solo piano. Today we will listen to a few and notice common features.

Every nocturne is unique, just like every musical composition. But they often have three defining characteristics:

• A legato (or smooth) melody. Sometimes the melody in a nocturne is called "cantabile" (cahn-TAH-bee-lay). Cantabile means "singing" in Italian. Even though the melody in a nocturne is played on piano, it often sounds like singing.

• Arpeggiated chords in the lower register. This means the notes underneath the melody smoothly roll up and down.

• A calm, peaceful feeling.

LISTEN to nocturnes

Have students use the listening chart to see if they hear the three main characteristics of a nocturne. Some nocturnes might only have one or two of these characteristics. Videos for each piece are below. Choose as many from the list as desired.