Nocturne in B major (Dvořák)

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The Nocturne in B major, Op.  40 (B. 47), is a single-movement composition for string orchestra by Antonín Dvořák, published in 1883.

Contents

History

The work originated as the slow movement, Andante religioso, of Dvořák's early string quartet, No. 4 in E minor, of 1870, which was unpublished in his lifetime. The movement was adapted and included in his String Quintet No. 2 in G, of 1875: it was one of two slow movements, and he later withdrew this movement from the quintet. [1] [2] [3]

He developed it into this nocturne; the work was published in 1883 by Simrock. It was premiered under the composer's baton at Crystal Palace in London, on 22 March 1885. [4] As well as the version for string orchestra (B. 47), he made versions for violin and piano (B. 48a) and piano four hands (B. 48b). [1] [2] [3]

Structure

The work is in the key of B major, and its duration is about 9 minutes. There is a calm atmosphere throughout. After a simple introduction in octaves, there is a long section, featuring a winding melody over a pedal note of F♯ which gives a sense of anticipation; eventually this gives way to a more animated section. Finally there is a return, without the sense of anticipation, to the original texture. [1] [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Nocturne in B Op. 40 The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Listening Library, accessed 25 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 Nocturne for String Orchestra, Op.40 (Dvořák, Antonín) IMSLP, accessed 25 January 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Nocturne in B major antonin-dvorak.cz, accessed 26 January 2015.
  4. ↑ Nocturne in B, Op. 40 by Antonín Dvořák Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
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