Nocturnes are songs that comprise a category of music that is specifically inspired by or evocative of the night. While they are generally hallmarked by tranquility, these songs can run the gamut of moods. The musical distinction “nocturne” was first made in the 1700s, and at that time included pieces that were not necessarily inspired by nor evocative of the night, but which were meant to be played at night, such as Mozart’s Serenata Notturna, K. 239.