Chopin: Raindrop Prelude
Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude
Structure
Like many piano pieces of the Romantic period, Chopin’s Raindrop prelude is in ternary form (ABA1). This is where the second A section very similar to the first A section. However, it is the B section which provides a contrast to the outer A sections.
The first A section lasts from bar 1-27. It is in D flat major. The B section is from bars 28-75 and it is in C# minor which is the enharmonic equivalent of Db major. Then there is the return of the A section which is from bar 76 to the end. However, this also includes the coda which cuts short the second A section. This A section is a shortened version of the opening A section.
Harmony and Tonality (chords and keys)
Harmony: At the end of the first A section, there is an imperfect cadence which gives an unfinished impression. An imperfect cadence ends on the dominant chord which is Ab. At the end of the piece there is a perfect cadence which uses the dominant and tonic notes which are Ab and Db, here. This makes the piece sound finished.
Tonality: The first A section is in Db major, which changes to its enharmonic equivalent, that is, C# minor for the B section and Db major returns for the final A section. The pedal in Ab for the A section also changes into its enharmonic equivalent which is G# which is the dominant pedal for C#. The notes used in Db major are Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Gb (5 flats); when in C#, the notes used are F#, C#,G#,D# and B#.
Melody
Chopin’s Raindrop prelude has a conjunct melody (there is only a small pitch change between each note). From the name of the piece, Raindrop Prelude, the sustained notes are used to act as the continuous raindrops falling. To represent these raindrops, Chopin uses descending notes and arpeggios. He also uses septuplets and turns to create similar effects. He changes to the relative minor to create variation.
The main melody in the A section is in the right hand; however, in section B of the piece, the melody moves to the left
Structure
Like many piano pieces of the Romantic period, Chopin’s Raindrop prelude is in ternary form (ABA1). This is where the second A section very similar to the first A section. However, it is the B section which provides a contrast to the outer A sections.
The first A section lasts from bar 1-27. It is in D flat major. The B section is from bars 28-75 and it is in C# minor which is the enharmonic equivalent of Db major. Then there is the return of the A section which is from bar 76 to the end. However, this also includes the coda which cuts short the second A section. This A section is a shortened version of the opening A section.
Harmony and Tonality (chords and keys)
Harmony: At the end of the first A section, there is an imperfect cadence which gives an unfinished impression. An imperfect cadence ends on the dominant chord which is Ab. At the end of the piece there is a perfect cadence which uses the dominant and tonic notes which are Ab and Db, here. This makes the piece sound finished.
Tonality: The first A section is in Db major, which changes to its enharmonic equivalent, that is, C# minor for the B section and Db major returns for the final A section. The pedal in Ab for the A section also changes into its enharmonic equivalent which is G# which is the dominant pedal for C#. The notes used in Db major are Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Gb (5 flats); when in C#, the notes used are F#, C#,G#,D# and B#.
Melody
Chopin’s Raindrop prelude has a conjunct melody (there is only a small pitch change between each note). From the name of the piece, Raindrop Prelude, the sustained notes are used to act as the continuous raindrops falling. To represent these raindrops, Chopin uses descending notes and arpeggios. He also uses septuplets and turns to create similar effects. He changes to the relative minor to create variation.
The main melody in the A section is in the right hand; however, in section B of the piece, the melody moves to the left