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 highlyreminiscent 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 itscomposition. Debussy's 1892 contract with his publishe