Measures 1 to 12

The prelude begins with a sextuplet motif using the G flat major key signature. The use of the III and IV degrees suggests the Phrygian B-flat mode:

In measure 3, the main theme of the prelude appears as an internal voice with pentatonic character:

At measure 9, a contrasting material uses the Doric E-flat mode. The upper melodic line describes a semi-diminished C chord (C-Eb-Gb-Bb):

Measures 1 to 12:

Paavali Jumppanen, piano
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
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