The following harmonic plan forms the structure of the prelude. Click on each chord for more details. Click here to begin:

The first chord produces the first four measures. The notes in red are non-harmonic tones:

The second chord develops in a similar way from measures 5 to 8:

The intensity increases and the harmonic rhythm starts to accelerate from measure 9 onwards:

NOTE: C^o7/III refers to a diminished seventh chord that shares one of its notes is the root of another chord. In this case, both the B diminished chord and the Ab major chord have Ab in common.

The intensity increases and the harmonic rhythm accelerates in bar 16:

The F minor key is confirmed by the final measures.:

Jeannette Fang, piano. Courtesy of MUSOPEN