This piece is straightforward in its construction but highly advanced in its harmonies, and links up with the widely popular, 19th-century tradition of the “night piece” or “nocturne” for piano. Its themes and modulations are highly reminiscent of Gabriel Fauré, but in its chromatic voice-leading and unusual treatment of metre – such as in the 7/4 central section – Debussy makes a statement all of his own. Nothing is known about the history of its composition. Debussy’s 1892 contract with his pu...