Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28, No. 15, (arr. by W. T. Best)

The Prelude in D-flat major, the so-called "Raindrop Prelude," is the most famous of the set., and is the most "important and highly finished" of the group. The shimmering opening section in D-flat passes to the enharmonic middle section in C-sharp minor, creating the atmosphere of a nightmare or terrifying hallucination. When the opening material returns, it assumes some of the character and harmonies of the middle section. The tragic contact of the fateful harmonies speaks of aching exhaustion, almost of anguish, which justifies the great sigh, but which an attempt is made, without sucess, to efface the agonizing vision, and which brings this admirable piece to a close. It has been called "an atmosphere of almost indescribable despair." This arrangement by thy great English concert organist, W. T. Best (1826-1897) is, in itself, a masterpiece.

For more notes about the composition of the Preludes, please see the notes on the previous two uploads.

The MIDI file attached is NOT the one heard in the performance... ;-)