Nocturnes: and the Fascination of Night Music

An engrossing history of the music of twilight and sleep, from the nocturnes of Field and Chopin to Max Richter

In an insomniac age, ambient and sleep music have become increasingly popular. But our association between music and sleep is not new: lullabies may be the oldest form of music, and are instantly recognisable across peoples and cultures. Why does the night hold such musical fascination for us, and what forms do its sounds take?

Susan Tomes explores the story of the nocturne, and...