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Nocturnes (Lauridsen)

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description Nocturnes (Lauridsen) Overview

"Nocturnes" is a choral song cycle by the American composer Morten Lauridsen, completed in 2005. It sets three poems on themes of night and contemplation: Rainer Maria Rilke's "Sa Nuit d'Été," Pablo Neruda's "Soneto de la Noche," and James Agee's "Sure on This Shining Night." The work extends Lauridsen's characteristic harmonic language into lyrical, largely secular texts and is scored for mixed chorus with piano or instrumental accompaniment.

help Nocturnes (Lauridsen) FAQ

Which poets' works are set to music in Morten Lauridsen's 'Nocturnes'?

The song cycle sets three poems centered on themes of night and contemplation by famous poets. It features Rainer Maria Rilke's 'Sa Nuit d'Été,' Pablo Neruda's 'Soneto de la Noche,' and James Agee's 'Sure on This Shining Night.'

When was Morten Lauridsen's choral piece 'Nocturnes' composed?

Morten Lauridsen completed 'Nocturnes' in 2005. The piece quickly became a beloved contemporary work for chamber choirs and university choral programs worldwide.

What instruments accompany the choir in Lauridsen's 'Nocturnes'?

The work is scored for mixed chorus and piano accompaniment. The piano part is integral to the lush, meditative atmosphere that characterizes Lauridsen's signature compositional style.

Is 'Sure on This Shining Night' from Lauridsen's 'Nocturnes' the same song as the classic vocal standard?

It uses the exact same James Agee poem that was famously set to music by Morton Gould and other 20th-century composers. However, Lauridsen completely reimagined the text with entirely new, original choral harmonies for this specific 2005 cycle.

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