Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

17:34

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Nocturnal after John Dowland, Op. 70 is a solo guitar piece composed by Benjamin Britten in 1963. It was premiered by Julian Bream at the Aldeburgh Festival on June 21, 1964. The piece is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different song by the Elizabethan composer John Dowland. The first movement, "Musingly," sets the tone for the piece with a slow, introspective melody. The second movement, "Very Agitated," is a fast and frenzied section that contrasts sharply with the first. The third movement, "Restless," is marked by a series of repeated notes that create a sense of unease. The fourth movement, "Uneasy," features a haunting melody that is played in a low register. The fifth movement, "March-like," is a lively and rhythmic section that is reminiscent of a military march. The sixth movement, "Dreaming," is a slow and ethereal section that is marked by delicate arpeggios. The seventh movement, "Gently Rocking," is a gentle and soothing section that features a rocking rhythm. The eighth movement, "Passacaglia," is a complex and intricate section that is built around a repeating bass line. The final movement, "Slow and Quiet," brings the piece to a peaceful and contemplative close. Nocturnal after John Dowland is characterized by its use of variation form, in which each movement is based on a different Dowland song. Britten also employs a range of guitar techniques, including harmonics, pizzicato, and tremolo, to create a diverse and expressive piece. The piece is considered one of the most important works in the guitar repertoire and has been performed by numerous guitarists around the world.

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