Chopin’s Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28 No. 15, often nicknamed the “Raindrop” Prelude, is one of Chopin’s most famous Romantic piano works. The music begins with a calm, singing melody marked Sostenuto and con espressione e semplice, meaning sustained, expressive, and simple. A repeated note appears throughout much of the piece, giving the music its famous rain-like feeling. The main challenge is to keep the melody warm and natural while the repeated note and accompaniment remain steady, soft, and balanced.

Measures 1–8 introduce the peaceful opening theme. The right hand sings a simple, expressive melody while the left hand supports with a steady broken-chord accompaniment. The repeated inner note should be present, but it should not overpower the melody.

Measures 9–19 continue the opening material with more harmonic color and gentle dynamic shaping. The melody grows and relaxes through long phrases, while the accompaniment keeps the same calm pulse underneath. The music should feel spacious and lyrical, not rushed.

Measures 20–27 bring back the opening idea with a fuller sound and a more complete phrase. The music remains gentle, but the repeated note becomes more noticeable as part of the texture. This section prepares the darker middle section.

Measures 28–35 begin the Poco più animato middle section. The key signature changes, and the music becomes darker and more tense. The repeated note continues, but now it sounds more serious and unsettling, while the left hand supports with deeper sustained tones.

Measures 36–44 build the middle section into a dramatic climax. The repeated chords grow stronger, the dynamics rise to fortissimo, and the accents give the music a heavy, storm-like character. This is the emotional center of the prelude.

Measures 45–59 continue the dark middle section with repeated-note figures, strong chords, and another forceful buildup. The music rises again to fortissimo before gradually diminishing. The pianist must keep the repeated notes controlled so the passage sounds intense without becoming harsh.

Measures 60–75 begin to release the tension. The music becomes softer and gradually moves away from the stormy middle character. A poco rit. and diminuendo lead into the return of the opening tempo and key.

Measures 76–83 bring back the peaceful opening theme a tempo. The familiar melody returns in D-flat major, now sounding calmer and more reflective after the darker middle section. The repeated note still continues underneath, but the mood is gentle again.

Measures 84–end close the prelude quietly. The final phrases become softer through pp and riten. markings, and the last chord should sound peaceful and still. After the long contrast between calm rain and stormy darkness, the piece ends with a quiet sense of rest.

Interesting fact: This prelude is often called the “Raindrop” Prelude because of the repeated note that continues through much of the piece. The nickname was not given by Chopin himself, but it has become one of the most recognizable nicknames in his piano music.