Nigel Hess

Nocturne

Nigel Hess’s 6-minute Nocturne for piano was commissioned by British pianist Nicholas McCarthy for his debut disc Solo (Warner Classics). Nicholas writes: "The tradition of left-hand repertoire firmly began in the nineteenth century and developed through the twentieth century, mainly as a result of the First World War. Nigel Hess's Nocturne gives me the opportunity, in the twenty-first century, to premiere a new left-hand commission by one of the UK's most eminent composers. I was thrilled when Nigel agreed to the commission, and I'll never forget the excitement of first seeing the completed score. The piece has a simple but beautiful theme with an unexpected use of harmony that I love. It certainly tells a story." It can be performed left-hand only, or with two hands if preferred.