24 Preludes, Op. 28
Frederic Chopin
Work background
Researched classical background
Chopin's twenty-four preludes make a complete collection of brief pieces in all major and minor keys. Each establishes its own concentrated texture or gesture rather than introducing a following fugue. The set includes extreme contrasts of length, density, and mood. Work on the group culminated during his stay on Mallorca, although some musical ideas had developed earlier.
A listening guide
Listen to two neighboring preludes and compare how quickly each establishes a distinct sound world.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano
Composition: 1838-1839 (main work on the collection)
Some ideas may predate this period; the complete manuscript was ready in January 1839.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
Individual ideas predate the main compilation period; a single day of composition is not asserted.
Fryderyk Chopin
Indexed institute excerpt: work on Op. 28 in 1838-1839 and manuscript completion in January 1839. Full page required JavaScript. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Preludes | HN883 | HN 883
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Fryderyk Chopin
Indexed institute excerpt: work on Op. 28 in 1838-1839 and manuscript completion in January 1839. Full page required JavaScript. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Preludes | HN883 | HN 883
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.