This is one of the most renowned songs by Reynaldo Hahn (1874– 1947). It is part of his song cycle Chansons grises, composed between 1887 and 1890. The text is based on a poem by Paul Verlaine from his 1874 collection Romances sans paroles. The poem describes a quiet, magical night, where two lovers walk together under the silver light of the moon, surrounded by the soJ sounds of nature. The phrase L'heure exquise (the exquisite hour) evokes a moment of pure beauty and serenity, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of love and happiness.