Who could imagine that a tiny spherical mass of water that falls in the form of a drop can serve as inspiration for many artworks? In the moment of the impact, it leaves a visual and sound effect that is amazing. Take a moment. Can you hear it when you close your eyes? Hm, if yes, then it is more clear why many composers used that "image" as a topic for their compositions.
It would be interesting to go back to the prehistory and observe the process of experimenting on wood objects and rocks to bring through the sounds the natural phenomenons. Did early humans try to evoke the sounds the animals were making? Or the thunder, the sound of a waterfall, or a drop of rain?
It is too late now to discover that. However, I can assure you that in modern history many composers were inspired by water and raindrops. Just some of them were Handel, Britten, Debussy, Ravel, Liszt, Chopin...
Frederic Chopin, the greatest Polish composer for piano, can give us an example. Because of his weak health, in 1838 (he was 28 then) he was advised to travel to Mallorca to improve the condition of his lungs. He travelled there with George Sand, the woman he loved. But, that trip turned out to be a disaster. That winter it was raining a lot in the Balearic Islands, and his lungs get even worse because of the constant humidity. I imagine that while he was sitting inside and listening to the rain, the sound of falling raindrops provoked the creation of one of his most beautiful Preludes. Raindrop prelude.
What is specific about that piece? Apparently, the repeated note A flat (in the middle section it is G sharp) through the whole composition evokes the raindrops. Ok, it is clear. But what makes me think is, was it an intentional move that Chopin used here, a minimalist approach to composing? We know that minimalism in music appeared in music as a movement in the decade of 1960 in the United States. But that simplified, repetitive pattern (constantly repeated A flat note) gives me the impression that he might be, in this piece, ahead of its time. It is just my opinion, it is not suggested or proved by others, as far as I know. So let me know, do you agrre or not with my idea, that this particular Prelude, that Frederic composed in his sikness in Mallorca, anticipated the minimalistic style of composing. I would be more then happy to have a dialogue with you on this topic.
This Raindrop Prelude is so nice, that I used to play it in the last years many times. In some concerts and even I publiched here already a few months ago. But this interpretation is a new one, recorded yesterday for the purpose of Open Hive Mic, week 39 with the topic drop.
I hope this Prelude will give you moments of enjoy, even a bit of sadness , knowing the faith of poor Frederic who passed away in his ilnsess, tuberculosis, at the age of 39. Trying to heal himself, unsuccessfully in Mallorca, he left us this worldwide famous piece, Raindrop Prelude (op 28, no 15).
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