Chopin "Raindrop Prelude" Flashcards
What key is the piece in? Does the key modulate?
Section A is in D flat major
Section B is in C# minor (tonic minor)
What is the structure of this piece?
Ternary form - ABA
What is the dominant pedal?
Repeated A flat’s in section A which represent the raindrops
Repeated G#’s in section B
Does section A and B end with perfect or imperfect cadences?
Imperfect cadence
Does the prelude end in a perfect or imperfect cadence?
Perfect cadence
What is constantly heard throughout the piece?
The dominant pedal
What is the time signature in this piece?
4/4 common time (present in the score with a capital ‘C’)
Name a rhythmic feature in this piece.
Septuplet in bars 4 and 23
What is the main texture of this piece?
Homophonic
Describe the melody in section A.
the melody is in the right hand and broken chords at played in he left hand
Describe the melody in section B.
Melody is in the left hand and repeated quavers (dominant pedal) is in the right hand
What instruments/instrument is used in this piece?
Piano
What parts of the piano are used in this piece?
Uses mainly middle and lower ranges of piano
Is this an example of Chopin’s virtuoso writing fro piano?
No
Describe the dynamics.
There is a wide range in dynamics
Name two playing techniques heard in his piece.
Legato and sustain pedal is used for resonance.
What genre is this piece?
Romantic piano
What era was this piece composed?
The romantic era 1825-1900
Give features of romantic music.
Romantic music conveys emotions, tells stories and paints musical pictures.
Composers were freer to develop own personal styles.
Orchestras expanded
Describe the melody.
Lyrical melody. Acciacaturas (decoration) used Melody is mainly in four 8 bar phrases Rubato is used to convey expression Melody is in right hand for section A and left hand for section B.
