Chopin "Raindrop" Prelude in Db

Question 1

What form is Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db in?

Answer 1

Ternary A B A

Question 2

What is the key change in section A to B in Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db?

Answer 2

A is Db major, the tonic
B is C# minor
Enharmonic change

Question 3

Describe the melody of section A in Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 3

1. Falling motif sounds like a sigh

2. Ascending scale with a acciaccatura (chrushed note)

Question 4

Describe the harmony of Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 4

1. Mainly simple diatonic

2. Use of dominant 7ths and some chromatic notes

Question 5

Describe the dynamics in Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 5

1. Starts quietly
2. Sotto voche (undertone)
3. Moves to ff

Question 6

What is a dominant?

Answer 6

5th note of a scale

In Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db it is Ab in the key Db

Question 7

When was Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db published?

Answer 7

1839

Question 8

Give four differences between section A and B in Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 8

1. A is p and B makes dramatic changes between A and B
2. In A the pedal is Ab on right hand treble and in B the pedal is G# on left hand bass
3. The key changes from Db to C#
4. A is major and B is minor

Question 9

What is an inverted pedal?

Answer 9

A pedal is the same note played throughout the whole piece and an inverted pedal is when it is not on bass and is on treble like in section A in Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Question 10

Give three rhythm points for Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 10

1. Time signature is 4/4
2. Rubato, rhythmic flexibility in the tempo
3. Section B is on the beat

Question 11

Give three harmonic points for Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 11

1. Mainly diatonic with some chromatic notes
2. Db/C#m enharmonic equivalent
3. Use of 7th chords and notes

Question 12

Give three texture points for Chopin “Raindrop Prelude in Db

Answer 12

1. Light texture in A and thick in B
2. Linear chordal melody
3. Homophonic texture