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Area of Study 1

Discover the elements of Chopin's famous Prelude, including structure, tonality, dynamics, and more, showcasing Romantic piano techniques and program music. Explore the ABA form, rubato, cantabile melodies, and chromaticism in this expressive piece.

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Area of Study 1

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  1. Area of Study 1 Chopin: Piano Prelude in Db Major (Raindrop)

  2. Area of Study 1 Who was Chopin? • Born in Poland in 1810 • Died in Paris 1849 • Virtuoso pianist • Romantic composer famous for piano music

  3. Prelude in Db Major (Raindrop) • In 1838 he went to Majorca and ended up staying with his lover in a deserted monastery in a place called Valldemossa. • He composed this Prelude inspired by a heavy rainstorm that he could hear dripping on the roof of the monastery

  4. Prelude in Db Major (Raindrop) This piece was written between 1835 – 1838 as part of a set of 24 preludes.

  5. What do you need to know about the Chopin piece? • In the key of Db Major • The structure is ABA form (Ternary form) • The B section is in C# Minor • The overall texture is melody and accompaniment (Homophonic) • This piece is an example of programme music, which means it describes something.

  6. It uses the following Romantic piano techniques: • Use of RUBATO – speeds up or slows down very slightly to make it more expressive • CANTABILE – the melody is played so that it ‘sings out’ on the piano and uses a smooth sound (LEGATO) • Careful use of the pedals on the piano, particularly the sustain pedal on the right.

  7. Section A • Markings are SOSTENUTO (Sustained) and PIANO (soft) • Right hand has the melody • Texture is MELODY-DOMINATED HOMOPHONY • Main tune starts with 3 notes of the main chord F – Db – Ab falling. • A decoration called ACCICCATURA (crushed note) is used

  8. Section A (continued) • The pedal note used throughout the piece is Ab (the dominant). • A new, second theme adds variety. • There are some CHROMATIC notes used to make the harmony more interesting (add colour). • At the end the Ab becomes written as G#. This is the same note but we call it ENHARMONIC CHANGE. This leads the piece into C# Minor for Section B.

  9. Section B • In the Key of C# Minor • More dramatic and dark in mood (Minor Key) • Lower region of the piano used. • Homophonic texture throughout • Tune is in the left hand with a G# PEDAL NOTE in the right hand. This is called an INVERTED DOMINANT PEDAL • Wide range of DYNAMICS used. • G# is used at the end as a PIVOT NOTE going back into Db Major.

  10. Section A and Codetta • The second section A is much shorter than the first. • Uses the marking Smorzando, which means ‘dying away’ • Short 8 bar CODETTA where the pedal note drops out for 2 bars and then starts up again • Ends PIANISSIMO (very quiet) with a PERFECT CADENCE

  11. Period of music from 1830-1900, in which music expressed emotion. Composers: Chopin, Liszt, Wagner, Berlioz etc…. An ornament – ‘a crushed note’ played as quickly as possible before the main note. ‘in the singing style’; the melody is to be played legato. The notes of a chord played one after the other, instead of together. A three part structure in ABA form in which the opening A section is repeated at the end and middle B section provides contrast. Music which tells a story, evokes ideas or images. Literally means ‘robbed time’ –a technique where the player can pull back (or speed up) the tempo for expressive effect. A sustained (or repeated) note(s) as the highest part in a musical texture. A sustained (or repeated) note(s) on the dominant note of the key. A note common to both keys used to pivot between 2 different keys, i.e. Ab in Db major is also G# in C# minor. A note/selection of notes used to add ‘colour’ that do not belong to the key. A sustained (or repeated) note(s) in the middle of a musical texture.

  12. Now look at the score and identify and define the signs or symbols or keywords listedTIME SIGNATURE KEY SIGNATURE SYMBOL FOR QUIET PEDALLLING SYMBOL TEMPO MARKING CRESCENDO DECRESCENDO

  13. This is a typical section B question from your listening exam 1. Which musical device is used throughout this piece? (1) 2. In which century was this piece written and to which period of Western musical history does it belong? (2) 3.Comment on how CHOPIN uses the following musical elements in his PRELUDE in Db major STRUCTURETONALITYINSTRUMENTDYNAMICS MELODY (10)

  14. Area of Study 1 Chopin: Piano Prelude in Db Major (Raindrop)

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