Raindrop Prelude- Chopin

Raindrop Prelude- Chopin

1. Structure

   • Ternary Structure- ABA
   • The sections are not equal. The longest section is the contrasting middle section.
     • When the A section returns we only hear 8 bars of the original theme

2. Tonality and Harmony

   • Keys outline the structure. The prelude opens and ends in a major key, with a minor key in the middle
   • Raindrops are a dominant pedal. Heard as an Aflat in the left hand in section A and the left in section B
     • Clear quavers in Section B
   • Passes through G# minor and F# minor in section B
   • More chromatic in the return of section A

3. Timbre and Texture

   • Entirely homophonic, except two bars at the start of the coda
   • Section A
     • The texture consists of a melody and an accompaniment and is often quite thin.
   • Section B
     • Texture is more chordal and generally lower pitched. Pedal is now in the right hand and melody in the left.
   • In loud sections a thick texture is gained from octave doubling

4. Dynamics

   • Starts quietly and continues through the A section
   • Builds in section B. Reaches ff. Drops to p then crescendo
   • Soft in Return of A. Marked smorzando (means dying away)

5. Melody and Pitch

   • Opening melody starts with a tonic triad. Db Chord
   • Melody is in the right hand in section A and then in the left hand in section B

6. Tempo and Rhythm

   • Slow. 4/4
   • Rubato is used.
   • Note lengths are augmented. eg. crochets become minims. Making it feel slow and heavy
   • Sostenuto- Sustained, Rit.-getting slower

7. Style

   • Romantic
   • Rich Harmonies
   • Rubato
   • Intense expression

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