DXVI. DVOŘÁK, Antonin: Nocturne in B Major, Op. 40

DXVI. DVOŘÁK, Antonin (1841-1904)

Nocturne in B Major, Op. 40 (1883)
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
(7:29)
[scrolling score]

This gorgeous music originated as a slow movement for both a string quartet and quintet; he eventually published it as this stand-alone quintet for string orchestra, also creating versions for violin and piano, and piano four-hands.

The first four minutes refuse the tonic, with the basses plucking on F-Sharp. When it does finally reach the tonic, the harmony moves through thick masses of richness, typical of his string writing.