Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 2: Preludes, Op. 28 - No. 15 'Raindrop'

by Frédéric Chopin

Performer: Ivan Ilic

Directions

Study the musical selection for one week.

Over the week:

• Each day, listen to the musical selection.
• Practice reciting the title of the composition and the composer's name.
• Read the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Cool, crisp days and brightly colored leaves characterize autumn in northern climates. This week features another selection that embodies the fall season. Go outside, play in the leaves, and enjoy the music. Written between 1835 and 1839, Frédéric Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28 are a set of short piano compositions. Preludes are short musical pieces that often introduce more complex pieces. The wistful nature of the opening and closing notes of No. 15 'Raindrop' is reminiscent of the last rains of fall before the winter snow arrives to cocoon the memories of summer.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Discuss what happens when the rain comes. For example:

• The air might turn colder.
• The wind might begin to blow.
• The leaves of the trees might rustle in the wind.
• Clouds block the sun, moon, and/or stars in the sky.
• The air may smell of rain.
• In a storm, you might see bolts of lightning zip across the sky or hear the rumble of thunder.

Activity 2: Describe the Music

After listening to the music, describe and discuss what you heard.

Read the list of adjectives below. Select those that describe the music or think up additional adjectives.

• Happy
• Sad
• Quiet
• Loud
• Fast
• Slow
• Scary
• Dreamy
• Magical
• Rhythmic
• Dignified

Activity 3: Act Out the Music

• One day this week, act out the events of the music.
• As the music plays, pretend to be trees blowing in the wind during a rainstorm.
• Wave your hands in the air in time to the music.
• Pretend your fingers are falling raindrops. Wiggle your fingers and sweep your hands from high to low.
• Finally, if you have an umbrella handy, take cover under the umbrella and move to the music.

Activity 4: Create a Rainy Picture

• One day this week, draw a rainy scene while listening to the music.
• Cut out shapes, make dots with markers, or use glitter to represent the raindrops.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 4

Answer 1

The title is 'Raindrop.'

1 / 4

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The composer is Frédéric Chopin.

2 / 4

Question 3

Describe what happens when it rains?

3 / 4

Answer 3

When it rains, drops of water fall from the clouds in the sky.

3 / 4

Question 4

What is a raindrop?

4 / 4

Answer 4

A 'raindrop' is a single drop of rain.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Raindrop.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Frédéric Chopin.
3. Describe what happens when it rains? When it rains, drops of water fall from the clouds in the sky.
4. What is a raindrop? A 'raindrop' is a single drop of rain.

References

'Preludes (Chopin).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.