Born on August 21, 1893 into a highly musical family, Lili Boulanger began an intensive study of music from an early age. Though in poor health, Boulanger became engrossed in musical studies, attending lectures and lessons any time her frailty allowed. She studied at the prestigious Paris Conservatory alongside her sister Nadia and became the first woman to win the Prix de Rome in 1913. Her successes led to a fruitful publishing contract with Ricordi, through whom she continued to publish works until her untimely death as a result of her chronic health issues in 1918.

Nocturne, inspired by the nighttime as its title suggests, opens with a sparkling piano line only to be overtaken by the often charming melodic lines of the violin. The sparse accompaniment allows the violin to alternate between lilting melodies and sharp changes in intensity. The close of the work sees the two voices become progressively more entangled before fading away into a quiet ending.