PlayPiano
The short answer
Prelude WoO 55 is a prelude by Ludwig van Beethoven. PlayPiano puts it at Level 4, an estimate.
- prelude
- dreamy
- gentle
- block chords
History
Beethoven-Haus dates this F-minor piano prelude, WoO 55, to 1803 or earlier; the exact composition year is uncertain. Its unnumbered WoO catalogue tag distinguishes it from his numbered piano sonatas.
Sources
What to listen for
A line emerges after a short rest
After an eighth-note rest, the upper line begins C-F-G-A-flat, then turns through E-natural and F. Listen to the rising start and its change of direction as one flowing gesture.
A moving line above a held foundation
The lower part holds a full F-minor chord for four quarter-note beats, then a smaller F-based interval for two more. Let the held sound support the upper motion without repeated attacks that are not written.
Follow the descending turn
The next bar starts with a rest, then B-flat-A-flat-G-F-E-natural-D-flat-C. Its closing notes turn through B-flat and A-natural before rising to C and F. Listen for the changing direction and altered notes.
How to practise it
Keep the opening line moving above the long chord foundation.
- Include the short upper rests.
- Read changing notes individually.
- Keep lower durations connected.
How hard is it
The early-intermediate proposal values a connected complete prelude with clear phrase direction and balanced support, not only correct individual pitches.
About this piece
- Collection
- The prelude gallery
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Ludwig van Beethoven
- Minuet in E-flat major, WoO 82Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
- Für Elise (Bagatelle in A minor), WoO 59Level 5, estimatedOpen to everyone
- Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, III. Allegro, PrestoLevel 10, estimatedWith Maestro
