The following harmonic plan serves as the structure of the prelude. Click over each chord for more details click here to begin:

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

The second chord develops similarly into measures 5 to 8:

Intensity increases, and the harmonic rhythm accelerate in measure 16:

NOTE: C^o7/III refers to a diminished seventh chord that connects to a chord whose root note is common to the diminished chord. In this case, B diminished (B-D-F-Ab) chains with Ab major (the Ab is the common note).

Intensity increases and the harmonic rhythms accelerate in measure 16:

The final measures affirm the F minor key:

Jeannette Fang, piano. Courtesy of MUSOPEN