Chopin – Prelude in C Major, Op. 28 No. 1

Chopin’s C Major Prelude is the first work of a landmark opus that elevated the status of the piano prelude (details in the “Historical Context” section below).  Chopin’s Op. 28 preludes are similar in scope to Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier with one work in each  major and minor key (also of note is the more superficial fact that both collections begin with a prelude built from arpeggiated ascending harmonies). The Op. 28 No. 1 C Major Prelude was described by Hans von Bülow as “Reunion” and Alfred Cortot as “Attente fiévreuse de l’aimée” (feverish anticipation of the beloved).  Did you know that an early German edition of this prelude printed the wrong rhythm?!   Click to expand the headings below to continue learning about this important work.

Historical Context: Did you read our discussion of the Op. 28 preludes as a whole? Click here if not!

Editions - Click to Expand

Tactile Tips - Click to Expand

Recommended Recordings - Click to Expand

Click on the above headings to open information related to the composition! If you have any information you are willing to contribute concerning this music, feel free to contact us.

References

References
1 Page 213 of Huneker’s Chopin Biography
2 Quotes on Pages 120-121 of Huneker’s Chopin Biography