3-Raindrop Prelude

Question 0

What are the keys of this piece?

Answer 0

In section A, the tonic key is Db major and it does modulate to the dominant Ab major and relative minor Bb minor as well. In section B it modulates to the enharmonic minor of the original key meaning it goes into C# minor.

Question 1

What year was this piece composed in?

Answer 1

1839

Question 2

Describe the harmony

Answer 2

It’s diatonic and mainly uses chords 1 and V7
There are frequent perfect cadences
Dominant pedal is used throughout

Question 3

Describe the instrumentation

Answer 3

Legato touch on piano and expressive use of piano sustain pedal

Question 4

What is the melody like?

Answer 4

There are lots of ornaments like trills and turns. It is very lyrical, graceful and sustained and the hands swap. The phrasing is regular.

Question 5

Describe the texture

Answer 5

It’s mainly homophonic but there are brief monophonic passages. The texture is fuller in section B.

Question 6

Describe the dynamics throughout the piece

Answer 6

There’s a wide range from sotto voice or in a whisper right up to fortissimo

Question 7

Describe the rhythm

Answer 7

Rubato means it’s flexible and literally means “robbed time”

Question 8

What is the mood like in section A?

Answer 8

Graceful, soft, relaxed and elegant

Question 9

What is the mood like in section B?

Answer 9

Dense, dark and stormy

Question 10

Give two musical reasons as to why you like this piece :)

Answer 10

1) I like this piece because of the contrasting mood in each section which makes it very interesting
2) I like the wide range of dynamics which adds musical interest

Question 11

What’s the time signature?

Answer 11

4/4

Question 12

Why is it nicknamed ‘The Raindrop Prelude’?

Answer 12

• Falling motifs in the right hand

- Continuous quavers in the left hand