Nocturne in Bb minor (Vesper Procession) Piano - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.966750

This original composition takes its inspiration from Vespers, an evening service of prayer. The piece begins with a brooding bass rhythm, which underlies much of the composition, as melodies depict images of the evening sun's procession toward the horizon. At the moment of the sun's setting, a grand hymn emerges, the emotional high point of the journey as the fires of creation illuminates the world in God's glory, before cooling into a final reprise of the initial melody as the darkness of night settles in.

While not an actual setting of the text, the original hymn-like melody in this piece is inspired by the ancient prayer called Phos Hilaron (O Gladsome Light), one of the earliest Christian hymns.

This piece, written for piano duet (1-piano, 4-hands), is appropriate for concerts, or as a prelude or other instrumental moment in a church service, especially evening services. While it is not specific to any season, the mood is also appropriate for services in Advent, Lent, Holy Week, or other times of reflection.

Melodies move throughout the range of the piano and across both players. Both parts are of similar difficulty, and neither part is more featured than the other; a musical performance will require a strong sense of ensemble.

An audio preview accompanied by images and the Phos Hilaron text which inspired part of this piece can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK0NAl15juU

The PDF file is formatted to be printed double-sided. Once printed and bound, odd numbered pages (including the cover page) should be on the right (where the primo player sits), and even numbered pages should be on the left (where the secondo player sits). Alternatively, if two pianos are being used, the file can be printed single-sided and the parts separated out; the primo player will have the odd numbered pages, and the secondo player will have the even numbered pages.