noun
nocturne
NAHK-turn/ˈnɑːktɜːrn/
A quiet, lyrical musical composition suggestive of nighttime.
The pianist plays a gentle nocturne as the audience listens.
Etymology
The pieces form the idea “belonging to the night.” Applied to music, this became a composition appropriate to evening or night, giving the dreamy instrumental genre its name.
More examples
- She practices a Chopin nocturne before her piano lesson.
- The nocturne's flowing melody suggests a peaceful summer night.
- His program includes two nocturnes and a lively march.
Forms
nocturne · nocturnes