Prelude No. 15 opus 28 in D flat major was written for piano by Polish composer Frederic (also spelt Fryderyk) Chopin in 1839, which is during the Romantic period. It is part of a set of 24 Preludes, written in each of the 12 major keys and 12 minor keys. You can listen to another one here: Prelude No. 6 in B minor.
This piece has been nicknamed the “Raindrop Prelude”, not by Chopin himself, but it has become a popular title for it. This nickname probably stems from the effect created by the relentless yet light repeated notes beneath the cantabile melody.
The piece starts off in a major key with a light, calm feel, but then the mood darkens, almost like a black cloud has passed over the sun and a storm is threatening. Later on, the light mood returns, as if the clouds have passed to reveal a tiny bit of sunshine once more, and the rain has become gentle again.
Another piece with a stormy theme is Burgmuller L’orage. You may also like my recording of Chopin Nocturne in F minor. Another water themed piece I have played is Venetian Gondola Song in F sharp minor.
You can listen to some of my own compositions (improvised) here:
You might also like Rhapsody in D — Improvisation in D Mixolydian ♭6 & D Aeolian, With F Major
