While this is Debussy's sole nocturne composed for piano, he also wrote nocturnes for orchestra. The piece is marked Lento, in 4/4 time. It commences with a five-measure introduction characterized by arpeggios notated in small note values, evoking the sound of a harp. This introduction is distinctly separated from the subsequent main theme by a double bar. The main theme is sung in a fluctuating, undulating manner, accompanied by ascending arpeggiated chords spanning a relatively wide range, reminiscent of Chopin. The Allegretto section is written in 7/4 time, which appears as an alternation of 4/4 and 3/4, further intensifying the undulating character of the nocturne. This section is structured by a chorale and a unison line. Subsequently, the main theme recurs, bringing the piece to a close.