SEVEN NOCTURNES

Dirk Brossé about the nocturnes The Seven Nocturnes for piano solo were composed in 2011. They were commissioned by Gino Van Helleputte and dedicated to his wife Chantal Colle to celebrate her 50th birthday. Ten years later, in 2021, the Seven Nocturnes were orchestrated for chamber orchestra to celebrate her 60th birthday.

These nocturnes are a seven-part cycle, inspired by the days of the week. The Romans named the seven days of the week after the principal celestial bodies known to them. These bore the names of Roman gods. Each day was dedicated to a different god and a different celestial body.

Dies Lunae Day of the Moon
Dies Martis Day of Mars - God of War
Dies Mercurii Day of Mercurius - God of Trade
Dies Iovis Day of Jupiter - God of Thunder
Dies Veneris Day of Venus - Goddess of Love and Beauty
Dies Saturni Day of Saturnus - God of Agriculture
Dies Solis Day of the Sun

The Seven Nocturnes are a reaction to our ever faster moving society, with its resulting inner turmoil and mounting stress levels. The nocturnes create a meditative atmosphere and are best performed and listened to at nightfall, in the twilight…and a quiet and peaceful environment.

Dirk Brossé, January 2023