The term notturno (French nocturne, borrowed into English) is first found in the context of the social light music of the 18th century (Serenade, divertimento, cassation, partita). It indicates the time of day in terms of performance and function of what was generally a musical piece in several movements. The nocturne resembles the serenade in its relation to customs of nocturnal declarations of gallantry and honor. There was no…