Study Group #1: Chopin's Prelude in E minor
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
65 replies
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Hello,
I’m Dawn and I look forward to working & learning together.
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Hi! Starting a little late, but raring to go! Jeremy Owens from Western Iowa in the US.
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I started learning this piece today. I found that circling the note or notes that change in the bass line makes it much easier to learn. Most places are only a change of one note, or sometimes 2. Then there are the bigger changes in the stretto section. I am focusing on those hardest parts first, hoping the rest will fall into place. Interpretation, however, is another matter! I find this short session interesting, but don't expect to be able to come close to a credible performing version in the short time we have. I will enjoy learning this, though-my first Chopin attempt.
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I’m confused about the Zoom today & the live event today on the piece. They’re at the same time. Is this 2 separate events to choose between or 1 event?
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Wanted to share another great resource (from two guys TB veterans might know: Ben Laude and Garrick Ohlsson) called The Chopin Podcast. Each episode is a deep dive (some 2+ hours) into Chopin's works. Just so happens Season 1, Episode 1 is about the Preludes. Unfortunately, they don't discuss the e minor, but it's still worthwhile.
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Great session but am wondering where to find the "marked up" version of the score. Can you give the link?
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I'd like to see the score too. Also not sure how to get back in to the great lesson that Dominic gave.
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The livestreams are always archived. Just go back to the first post in this thread and click on the link - it should start playing.
I don't think Dominic shared his marked up score, but if you follow along with your score while watching the video you can add the markings.
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he said he will send us the e mail and that the will share the annotated score as well. But impatient as I am, I usually take screenshots. It’s not ideal, and the bottom of the page is missing, but until Dom shares the score perhaps this can help. If you enlarge the photo the comments should be readable.
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your answer to is brilliant, in the future I will try this!
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do try, it’s really handy, especially if you plan to practice immediately after.
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Hi,
I was not able to attend live.
Is there a recording of the zoom group meeting part?
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I would like that too. I got my schedule confused and turned on the lecture part late, watched that (realizing I might be lost if I hadn't) THEN the zoom portion was over. Sad.
