Nocturnes - Morten Lauridsen

Morten Lauridsen's Nocturnes addresses aspects of the common theme of 'Night' in arrangements for accompanied SATB chorus. His setting of Rilke's impassioned and atmosphereic Sa nuit d'ete is rich with dense, colourful harmonies, while Soneto de la noche is quiet, serene and fold-like, reflecting the eloquence with which the poet Pablo Neruda speaks of everlasting eternal love. Sure on the shining night is a lyrical, beautiful setting of James Agee's well-loved poem. Rilke is the source of the epilogue, Voici le soir, bringing the Nocturnes to a quiet end as darkness arrives.