Nocturne (Poulenc)
en work
Definition
Poulenc composed eight nocturnes (FP 56) between 1929 and 1938. Unlike Field's or Chopin's nocturnes, Poulenc's are varied in mood and approach — from gentle lyricism to ghostly irony. Several bear programmatic subtitles evoking balls, bells, moths, and phantoms. Together they constitute a kaleidoscopic exploration of night as atmosphere, memory, and melancholy, without adhering to any single formal template.
Interpretive Guidance
Allow Poulenc's distinctive harmonic shifts — often polytonal or modal — to colour the tone quality without blurring. The inner voices carry more interest than in Chopin's nocturnes and deserve careful balance. The programmatic pieces (Nos. 2-5) respond well to slight variations in colour and touch that evoke their named subjects.