Raindrop Prelude
One repeated note runs through the whole piece – hence the name. Calm on the outside, dark and considerably louder in the middle.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Frédéric Chopin
- Year
- 1839
- Origin
- Op. 28 No. 15
- Key
- D♭ major
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
The outer section is well within reach, the middle one in C sharp minor is not. Many play only the opening, and that is not a bad solution.
The real hurdle
The middle section stands in a key with many accidentals and lies lower. Those who know the outer part by heart stumble over the position here.
How long does it take?
The outer section in four to six weeks, the whole piece in months.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
The repeated note has to stay evenly quiet. On instruments with a heavy action that is more work than it looks.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Raindrop Prelude?
The outer section is well within reach, the middle one in C sharp minor is not. Many play only the opening, and that is not a bad solution.
What key is Raindrop Prelude in?
Raindrop Prelude is in D♭ major.
How many keys do you need for Raindrop Prelude?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Raindrop Prelude?
Frédéric Chopin, 1839.
Can you download the sheet music for Raindrop Prelude for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Raindrop Prelude?
The outer section in four to six weeks, the whole piece in months.
If this suits you
Clair de Lune Claude DebussyDebussy’s moonlight – sounds floating and light, yet is the most demanding piece on this list.
Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 Frédéric ChopinChopin’s best-known nocturne – the melody sounds freely improvised but is precisely notated.
Gymnopédie No. 1 Erik SatieSatie’s study in slowness – technically one of the easiest concert pieces, musically anything but.