Vladimir Horowitz plays Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude in D flat Major

It's raining outside. So, today, I want to recommend a song of Frederic Chopin's Raindrop prelude.

This song is famous for program music - the title of song means and includes about topic of that song.

That is to say, when the listener closes their eyes and just listens this song, they can feel the emotion of raining and picture of raining image. The rain is at first raining slightly and softly, but when the song is going into the B part, that rain gets more strong and heavy. As following that image, same pitch, low note keeps continuing for a while. 

Song form is comprised with A-B-B'-A-C type. Special point of this song is at C part which is stopped all of a sudden. (at 4"29″). This feature is extraordinary thing in 1830s. His rule-breaking achievements influence to later composers.

This version is played by Vladimir Horowitz. He express the somewhat violent feeling very well. A rain sometimes can be a romantic thing, but sometimes regarded as a destructive thing.

The notable thing in his play in this song is in C part. That violent, strong and wild emotion fades away without any notice. This song is end suddenly but it is hard to recognize without special concentration.

Today's suggestion : 1. To find out where is the C part is located

                         and 2. Think about the image of his somewhat furious image of rain.

What image is the "Rain" to you?