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. 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. - Dirk Brosse, January 2023 Daniel Blumenthal about the nocturnes: It was a wonderful surprise to hear the masterful orchestrations of some of my favorite pieces - the Seven Nocturnes for piano by Dirk Brosse. These bring back the memory of the wonderful moment of recording the originals - as, indeed, all my other experiences with his music have given me. I hope you derive the same pleasure and exhilaration that I feel as you listen to these works. Daniel Blumenthal, January 2023
