The Chanson de Nuit was originally entitled Evensong though it is difficult to discern any religiosity in the work. And although published in 1897 scholars suggest that these works may have been written in the 1880’s. The contrast of the two melodies which Elgar then intertwines yield a satisfying short work especially with the composer’s fine Orchestration.Elgar published the Chanson de Nuit and its partner Chanson de Matin at the time of his life when he was also creating the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius. This work was originally created as a Violin and Piano duet but Elgar then Orchestrated the work and it was presented at the Proms. Sincethen other arrangements have been created.
