Study Group #1: Chopin's Prelude in E minor

Dominic_Cheli
updated Yesterday
118replies

Preludes Op_28 No_4 Preludes Op.28 No.4 4

Welcome to our very first Study Group — a space for collaborative, peer-led learning!

We’re starting with one of the most moving works in the piano repertoire: Chopin’s Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No. 4.

Why this piece? Because we’re leading up to the International Chopin Competition, and what better way to prepare than by immersing ourselves in Chopin’s language together. This isn’t a formal class — it’s a chance to learn side by side, share ideas, and discover new layers of the music. I’ll be working on the piece right along with you, and I can’t wait to see what insights we uncover as a group.

🗓️ What to expect:
Starting September 8th, we’ll explore:

Melody and balance — bringing out the singing line above the chords
Left-hand harmony — keeping the pulse steady and clear
Rubato and expression — shaping time without losing flow
Tone and pedaling — finding colors that bring the Prelude to life
Your own questions, discoveries, and perspectives!

We’ll also meet for two live Zoom sessions to share progress, exchange ideas, and celebrate our work on this piece. (Times and clickable links below!)

Livestream Presentation: September 11th at 11am PT

Zoom session #1: September 11th at 11:20am PT

Note: This zoom session will start with approximately a 15-20 minute short lecture and deep dive on the piece with Dominic, before we dive into all of your questions and conversations!

Zoom session #2: September 19th at 11am PT

✅ How to participate:

Sign up Here!
Download or open the score for the Prelude in E minor
Introduce yourself below!
Join the prompts and discussions
Share your thoughts, questions, or even a short recording if you’d like

Zoom Study Group #2 Video!

https://youtu.be/fvAsw5bfgKE

Dominic's Annotated Score Here!

Annotated Score link

- Andrew_Smith
- Yesterday
- Reported - view
Hi everyone -- here's my recording of the prelude. My phone's mic was not so great; I have a much better separate external mic but I don't know how to synch it with video. Anyway, this study group has helped me learn the piece and think about lots of elements of it. I find it tricky to balance the RH and LH just right; also, keeping flow while "pointing out" to the listener some of the harmony changes, without sounding clunky or plodding, is another challenge.

https://youtu.be/riAQM3ah-yI
- Randi
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  nicely done. The timing is so smooth. The melody really sings.
- Randi
- Yesterday
- Reported - view
Here is my submission. I have lots to practice!

https://youtube.com/shorts/dtAX3zq_pFw?si=juHlexSY-P2f48Jn
- Andrew_Smith
  
  Yesterday
  
  Reported - view
  Thanks for posting that Randi! Now that you've got the notes learned, maybe you could try these practice methods; with your right arm, conduct a slow 1-2 count for each measure (for the cut time signature) while you play the LH chords. See how well you can flow the chords into each other so the smooth counting with your right arm keeps going. Then you can also conduct a 1-2 count while playing LH and whistling or singing RH. Then I would also memorize the piece, about 4 measures at a time. Maybe playing without looking at the notes can help the flow. Cheers!
- Randi
  
  Yesterday
  
  Reported - view
  Thank you so much for 1. taking the time to listen, and 2. giving me great ideas for practice. I really appreciate that. I will implement your ideas. Thank you!
- Victoria_Macdonald
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  Hi Randi. What a great start; this is going to be beautiful once you're comfortable with the notes. I had the same issue with my first lesson and my teacher insisted I practice hands separate. It really made a difference.
- Randi
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  thanks Victoria. I just got that same advice from my teacher today. Maybe there's something to it. 😆
- Victoria_Macdonald
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  I think there might be 😉. I just posted my video so you can let me know if it worked or not LOL.
- Dolores_Bacon
  
  20 min ago
  
  Reported - view
  and hahaha I got the same advice today, also. Victoria where is your video posted? I don’t see it anywhere.
- Dominic_Cheli
- Yesterday
- Reported - view
Hey Everyone! I just left my annotated score up top!

Here it is again in case you need it!

Annotated Score
- Dawn_Forde_Arno
- 18 hrs ago
- Reported - view
Thank you.
- Angela_Fogg
- 7 hrs ago
- Reported - view
‘Too late too late’ you cry, and yes you are obviously right but here it is anyway.

https://youtu.be/xl2EkNZBlA8

Thank you!
- Theory Instructor
  
  Sherre_Waggoner
  
  3 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
- Victoria_Macdonald
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  It's marked private, so we can't see it 😕
- Angela_Fogg
  
  29 min ago
  
  Reported - view
  Thank you so much for saying so, it should be all right now!
- Victoria_Macdonald
- 2 hrs ago
- Reported - view
Okay my turn to jump in the pool. I'm posting before I listen to any others so I don't lose my nerve.
- Sam_Smith
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  That was great!
- Victoria_Macdonald
  
  2 hrs ago
  
  Reported - view
  Thank you ❤️
- Dolores_Bacon
  
  12 min ago
  
  Reported - view
  further up I asked where your video was posted, please ignore that, now that I’ve found it! First of all, big round of applause for not letting your nerves prevent you from posting. You looked quite peaceful and how nice to see you again! Very beautiful sound, nice, round, clear and resonant right hand voice, steady left. Well done!