Prelude No. 7 is the shortest of the preludes. It is based on a rhythmic motif that is repeated eight times:

Chopin uses this rhythmic motif to create the two phrases that make up the prelude.

The melody's constant use of non-harmonic notes enriches the simple harmony. These notes imply extensions such as the major seventh, ninth and thirteenth. In the case of the dominant chord at the end of both phrases, Chopin emphasises the use of the ninth as a chord note:

Robert Ståhlbrand, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society

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