About the piece
It is the fifteenth of the 24 Preludes Op. 28, completed in 1839. The nickname is not Chopin's: it comes from George Sand's memories of rainy nights at the Valldemossa monastery in Majorca.
The repeated A-flat runs through the whole piece; in the middle section, in C-sharp minor, it becomes a G-sharp and the mood turns dramatic.
How to practise it
- The repeated note must be light and steady: it is the background, not the main character.
- Learn the melody of the first section alone, singing.
- The middle section has full chords and a big crescendo: study it separately and slowly.
- Split the piece into four parts in the app and start with the outer ones, which are easier.
Free sheet music
First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (public domain, edition by Magnus Lewis-Smith); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called “Raindrop”?
Because of the repeated note that sounds like rain; the name comes from George Sand's accounts, not from Chopin.
What level do I need?
Intermediate: the first and last sections are approachable, the middle one needs more strength and control.