Nocturne This "Nocturne" for Horn and Strings was written in 1987 for the American hornist Gail Williams, and was completed in 1988 in Los Angeles. The work especially brings out the lyrical and expressive side of the horn. The premiere of "Nocturne" was given on November 4th, 1989, in St. Charles, Illinois, with Gail Williams and the Illinois Chamber Symphony, under the direction of Stephen E. Squires. The meditative beginning changes in the middle section to a vigorous and brilliant Allegro, in which elements of the primary theme reappear. The piece ends with a feeling of peace and introspection