The Nocturne in B major, Op. 40 ( B. 47), is a single-movement composition for string orchestra by Antonín Dvořák, published in 1883.

History

The work originated as the slow movement, Andante religioso, of Dvořák's early string quartet, No. 4 in E minor, of 1870, which was unpublished in his lifetime. The movement was adapted and included in his String Quintet No. 2 in G, of 1875: it was one of two slow movements, and he later withdrew this movement from the quintet. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

He developed it into this nocturne; the work was published in 1883 by Simrock. It was premiered under the composer's baton at Crystal Palace in London, on 22 March 1885. ^[4] As well as the version for string orchestra (B. 47), he made versions for violin and piano (B. 48a) and piano four hands (B. 48b). ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Structure

The work is in the key of B major, and its duration is about 9 minutes. There is a calm atmosphere throughout. After a simple introduction in octaves, there is a long section, featuring a winding melody over a pedal note of F♯ which gives a sense of anticipation; eventually this gives way to a more animated section. Finally there is a return, without the sense of anticipation, to the original texture. ^{[1] [3]}

References