Shorter than Section A and B b about half.Total different idea compared to section A or B.This section of the Prelude links section B back to section A. This section is also quite expressive through the dynamics mainly: how the crescendo builds tension and almost explodes as it hits the chord of E and B. Left hand slurs and have crochet notes that rise adding to the build-up.Crescendos being used to build tension when it is released as the dynamics go fortissimo.Key changes to C sharp minor: repetitive A flat goes to a G sharp note.This represents the raindrop motive making it sound like the raindrops are falling. The raindrop can also be heard with the first three notes played in this piece: F, D flat and A flat. As a pianist that can play this piece, this section in some ways is the most expressive with the main use of rebarto and graduate crescendos (to mezzo piano). Section A is a very delicate section which the whole time i in piano (soft). The use of spreading arpeggios in the left hand.Has graceful ornamentations (decorations) which also use rebarto (slows down tempo because decorations are expressive).Uses the pedal to product lots of subtle pedalling effects.Repetitive use of A flat in left hand (quaver notes).Time signature is in 4/4 and in the key of D flat major.In the piece, this is represented by the continuous repeating A flats in section a and the continuous repeating G# in section B where the key changes to C# minor. The piece was written during a storm and the title relates to the dripping of raindrops from the roof of the monastery. The ‘Raindrop’ Prelude was written during Chopin’s period of recuperation as the deserted monastery in Valldemossa, Majorca. Each prelude is meant to depict a specific idea or emotion. We expect the prelude to be followed by something else! But, the 24 Chopin pieces are all stand-alone preludes, each in a different major and minor key. The ‘Raindrop’ Prelude is one of the longest at 9 bars, and in it we can see a clearly worked out ternary ABA structure with a contrasting B section in C# minor.Ī prelude is a brief ‘opening’ piece that sets a particular mood and is linked to a following fugue in the same key.

This Prelude, more commonly known for ‘Raindrop’, belongs to a body of works by Chopin called The Preludes, which was written between 18 to then be published in 1839. Now, let’s have a look at his Piano Prelude No. Chopin was born in Poland and reflected his love for his homeland of Poland through the use of Polish folk melodies and dance rhythms. Chopin was a fitting example of the Romantic artist – he was lonely, aloof and withdrawn – a talented but tragic figure, dying as he did at a relatively young age of 39.

Chopin’s piano music is a perfect example of the Romantic ideal for expressing the poetic feelings and emotions through the medium of sound.

Prelude in d flat major