Nocturne is Brink's second published work for carillon. The piece is dedicated to Ellen Dickinson, Brink's first carillon teacher. Harmonically, Nocturne alternates between C Lydian and G Lydian, with a few detours into more chromatic passages. The "Suddenly Bright, Lively" recurring theme is inspired by the interlude of "Wed Sand" by American rock band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rhythmically the syncopated ostinato is inspired by Vince Guaraldi's "Cast Your Fate to the Wind."

—Joey Brink