What is a Nocturne?
A nocturne in music is a composition typically characterized by its dreamy, contemplative quality, often evoking the tranquil atmosphere of the night. Originating in the early 19th century, the nocturne is usually a solo piano piece with a lyrical, flowing melody and rich harmonies. While Frédéric Chopin and John Field are renowned for their piano nocturnes, the genre also extends to orchestral works. Claude Debussy's orchestral nocturnes, composed in the early 20th century, expand the form into a broader, more impressionistic realm.
THE NOCTURNES:
While nocturnes are best known for their serene and delicate nature, reflecting the quiet of the night, Pedro’s Nocturnes offer a different vision. For him, night is not just a dark and sombre time but a moment when dreams come alive. Thus, his Nocturnes aim to create a magical, enchanting, and sophisticated atmosphere. Each piece represents a unique dream, subtly hinting at a larger theme.
An album of songs:
The idea behind this album was to create a series of “Disney-inspired” songs, though only the orchestral parts have been released so far. The lyrics for the six songs come from a mix of sources, including classic poetry (like "Hymn" and "A Dream Within a Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe) and newly written works such as “Berceuse” and “Chanson du Soldat.” The overarching theme is embodied by a fictional character, “The Lady of the Night,” who performs a magical lullaby:
Close your eyes, get ready & go to sleep
Just relax & you shall see
That your dream will be
So sweet, so sweet, so sweet,
In your dream you’ll see there lies a sun
That is much different than the One
The One that’s seen during the day
The One that’s watching while you play
The One that rises but…
Goes away!
But I know this feeling! Oh, my dear
When there’s no one nowhere near
It feels like you’re alone…
Feels as if the days have had no sun
But the sun is only to be seen…
If it has risen in your dreams!
Oh, don’t fear the night, my dear
Look at the stars, for in them hide much brighter suns;
Also look at the fireflies, these floating beings of light
That dance just right upon our sight
So, close your eyes, embrace the night & you’ll see
It’ll be so much brighter if lightened by a dream
Each song delves into different aspects of the night, encompassing moments of contemplation, longing, and even despair. The collection culminates in a Rhapsody (Finale), where themes from each nocturne intertwine, leading seamlessly into the dawn of a new day.
