Analysis of Chopin Prelude

FREDERICK CHOPINS PRELUDE, OP. 28 NO.
4 IN E MINOR:
HARMONIC EXPECTATION AND VIOLATION
THESIS
Presented to the Graduate Council of

Texas State University-San Marcos
in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements
for the Degree
Master of MUSIC
by
Clifford D. Burden, B.A.
San Marcos, TX
August 2013
FREDERICK CHOPINS PRELUDE, OP. 28 NO. 4 IN E MINOR:

HARMONIC EXPECTATION AND VIOLATION
Committee Members Approved:
Cynthia I. Gonzales, Chair
Kevin E. Mooney
Sean F. Johnston
Approved:
J. Michael Willoughby
Dean of the Graduate College
COPYRIGHT
by
Clifford Dustin Burden
2013
FAIR USE AND AUTHORS PERMISSION STATEMENT

Fair Use
This work is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553,
section 107). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations
from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgment. Use of this material for
financial gain without the authors express written permission is not allowed.
Duplication Permission
As the copyright holder of this work I, Clifford Dustin Burden, authorize duplication of
this work, in whole or in part, for educational or scholarly purposes only.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my strongest appreciation to all who helped me throughout
this process. Specifically, I extend gratitude to my thesis advisor, Dr. Cynthia Gonzales. I
would not have been able to complete this thesis without her guidance, support, patience,
and knowledge. I also thank my committee members, Dr. Kevin Mooney and Dr. Sean
Johnston, for their suggestions, encouragement, and patience.
This manuscript was submitted on May 8, 2013.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURES CONTINUED ................................................................................. viii
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................1
II. EXPECTATIONS AND VIOLATIONS ............................................................8
2.1 Violation Types ......................................................................................8
2.2 Application in Chopins Prelude ..........................................................13
2.3 Summary ..............................................................................................25
2.4 Other Interpretations ............................................................................44
III. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................55
BIBLIOGRAPHY ..............................................................................................................57
vi
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Page
1. Implication of A1 and A2 ....................................................................................9

2. a, I - vi - ii - V Progression; b, I - iii - IV - V Progression .............................10
3. Shared Violation ................................................................................................10
4. Potential Violation .............................................................................................12
5. Unrelated Violation ............................................................................................13
6. Chopin, Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4, m. 1 .................................................14
7. a, SV example; b, PV example; c, UV example .................................................15
8. Chopin, Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4, mm. 1-2 ...........................................15
9. a, Violation in m. 3; b, Implication in m. 3 .......................................................16
10. a, Implication in m. 3; b, Violation in m. 3 .....................................................18
13. PV - UV Pattern ................................................................................................22
14. a, PV - UV in m. 2; b, PV - UV in m. 4 ............................................................22
16. Overview of mm. 1-5 .......................................................................................26
vii
FIGURES CONTINUED
18. Duality in mm. 5-6 ...........................................................................................29

21. Overview of mm. 1-7 .......................................................................................33
23. a, Overview of mm. 1-9; b, Reduction of mm. 1-9 .........................................37
24. a, Summary of mm. 1-9 (2); b, Summary of mm. 1-9 (3) ...............................38
25. a, ii - vii Sequence; b, Jazz Sequence.............................................................39
26. Multiple Violation Levels ................................................................................41
27. a, Implication in m. 10; b, Violation in m. 10 .................................................43
28. Schachters Analysis ........................................................................................45
29. Schenkers Analysis .........................................................................................47
30. Londons and Rodmans Analysis ...................................................................48
31. Parkss Analysis ...............................................................................................51
32. Tymoczkos Analysis.......................................................................................52
33. Tymoczkos Four Sequences ...........................................................................54
viii
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
In my thesis I will examine vertical components of Chopins Prelude in E minor, op. 28

no. 4, mm. 1-12. My approach explores the musical phenomenon referred to in music
theory literature as ambiguity. Ambiguity in music exists when what we expect does not
occur, when our efforts to find specific musical norms are frustrated.1 Given this
description of ambiguity, musical analysis compares a composition to a musical syntax,
which in this case is the syntax of tonal music. Syntax generates implications, while
knowledge of that syntaxwhether intellectual or experientialgenerates expectations.
When implications and expectations do not match, the result is ambiguity.
In order to identify implications, I will reduce passages from the Prelude to show the
harmonic configuration. By comparing harmonic reductions to the syntax of tonal music,
I will determine (and notate in my analysis) where an implication occurs and if it is
violated. This reductive approach is similar to that of Heinrich Schenkers, but instead of
Deborah Stein, Engaging Music (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005), 77.
representing underlying structures in tonal music, my analysis will represent violations of

implications and their role in tonal ambiguity.
An analysis of music requires one to choose the appropriate analytical technique
for a given work. According to some music scholars, the application of methods used for
tonal analysis to atonal or ambiguous music is impractical. For example, Leonard Meyer
claimed that it is pointless to analyze a work by Boulez in terms of techniques
developed by Heinrich Schenker for the analysis of tonal music.2 Eugene Narmour finds
fault in roman-numeral analysis all together, claiming that there is a nave
associationism inherent in the roman-numeral analysis of harmonic function3 Also, in
Charles J. Smiths analysis of Beethovens Waldstein Sonata in C major, op. 53, he states
that the labels of a roman-numeral analysis address[es] identity rather than behavior or
function, not whence it comes or whither it goes.4
The dissolution of tonality during the 19th and 20th century brought about new
analytical methods such as set theory, transformational theory, 12-tone analysis,
chromatic theory, and motivic analysis.5 As a result, the exclusive use of roman-numeral
2
Leonard Meyer, Explaining Music: Essays and Explorations (Berkeley, CA: University of
California Press, 1973), 24.
3
Eugene Narmour, Beyond Schenkerism: The Need for Alternatives in Musical Analysis (Chicago,
IL: University of Chicago Press, 1977), 1.
4
Charles J. Smith, The Functional Extravagance of Chromatic Chords, Music Theory Spectrum
vol. 8 (Spring 1986): 99.
5
Allen Forte, The Structure of Atonal Music (New Haven and London: Yale University Press,
1973); Rudolph Reti, Tonality, Atonality, Pantonality: A Study of Some Trends in Twentieth-Century Music
(Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1978); David Lewin, Generalized Musical Intervals and
Transformations (New York: Oxford University Press, 1987); George Perle, Serial Composition and
Atonality: An Introduction to the Music of Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern, Revised (Berkeley, CA:
University of California Press, 1991); David Kopp, Chromatic Transformations in Ninetheenth-Century
Music (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002). In Tonality, Atonality, Pantonality, Reti identifies a
concept of an underlying tonality created by perceptual relationships between melody or counterpoint. In
Chromatic Transformations in Nineteenth-Century Music, David Kopp develops a method of analysis that
classifies chromatic relations among harmonies.
analysis had diminished in America by the end of the 20th century.

The sentiment towards functional harmonic analysis in America during the late
20th century can be reflected in a quote from an analysis of Chopins E-minor Prelude,
op 28. no. 4, by Carl Schachter, in which he suggests that his contrapuntal analysis
reveals more about the music than a harmonically oriented analysis would.6 Generally
speaking, it was during this time that two main types of musical analysis had surfaced in
the American theoretical community: one that examined atonal musicnamely set
theory7and tonal analytical methodsnamely Schenkerian analysis.8
As 19th-century chromaticism pushed the limits of tonality, Schenkerian analysts
encountered harmonic content that exceeded the scope of their analytical system. Because
it incorporates contrapuntal identification, Schenkerian analysis adapted to the advancing
harmonies via a linear identification of chromatic harmonies as sequences or
embellishments that conceal underlying functional harmonies.
Because of this, some scholars in the theoretical community believe that linear,
contrapuntal analytical methods are more proficient than vertical methods. For example,
a conversation regarding contrapuntal and harmonic analyses of Chopins Prelude in E
minor was held on the Smt-talk mailing list.9 Views in support of both harmonic analysis
and contrapuntal analysis were suggested. Stephen Jablonsky and Donna Doyle recognize
linear analysisas opposed to a vertical analysisas a superior approach for examining
Carl Schachter, The Prelude in E minor, Op. 28, No. 4: Autograph Sources and Interpretation,
in Chopin Studies 2 ed. John Rink and Jim Samson (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994), 174.
7
Allen Forte, The Structure of Atonal Music, 1973.
8
Heinrich Schenker, Free Composition ed. Ernst Oster (New York: Longman, 1979).
9
Society for Music Theory, Smt-talk Archives, University of Chicago,
http://lists.societymusictheory.org/pipermail/smt-talk-societymusictheory.org (accessed Apr. 28, 2013).
Chopins Prelude. In response to Jablonksy, Doyle asserts her point of view: Im

surprised (dismayed) that you [Stephen Jablonsky] want all the chords of Chopins E
minor Prelude named. Certainly you know that counterpoint counts, too!10 Jablonsky
corroborates Doyles stance: As others have pointed out, this is a piece about chromatic
voice-leading.The intervening harmonies serve much the same purpose as the nonharmonic tones in the melody.11
Dimitar Ninov and Illdar Khannanov, on the other hand, advocate for a vertical
analysis of Chopins Prelude, and in response to Doyle and Jablonsky, Khannanov
presents a harmonic interpretation:
Professor Doyle is dismayed at the attempt of Professor Jablonsky to name all
the chords here, with the premonition "not to forget about counterpoint." How
inappropriate is this gesture here: not only that we must name each chord that we
see, but also the chords and the keys which are not present in the score but
implied by Chopin. And this progression is not a sliding of some abstract nonharmonic lines.Not to hear all this harmonically means not to hear music at
all.12
Ninov seconds this sentiment:
I agree that Chopin's Prelude in Em has a lot of chromatic motion, but this is not a
reason to dismiss the vertical harmonic analysis of this piece in favor of
simultaneities and/or purely linear passages. In fact, the Prelude is susceptible to a
fairly easy harmonic analysis that clarifies the linear motion in the light of
functional interaction.13
10
Donna Doyle, [Smt-talk] ABSENCE OF LEAD SHEET, Smt-talk, entry posted Apr. 18, 2013,
http://lists.societymusictheory.org/pipermail/smt-talk-societymusictheory.org/2013-April/002343.html
(accessed Apr. 28, 2013).
11
Stephen Jablonsky, [Smt-talk] ABSENCE OF LEAD SHEET, Smt-talk, entry posted Apr. 18,
2013, http://lists.societymusictheory.org/pipermail/smt-talk-societymusictheory.org/2013April/002344.html (accessed Apr. 28, 2013).
12
Ildar Khannanov, [Smt-talk] ABSENCE OF LEAD SHEET, Smt-talk, entry posted Apr. 19,
2013, http://lists.societymusictheory.org/pipermail/smt-talk-societymusictheory.org/2013April/002348.html (accessed Apr. 28, 2013).
13
Dimitar Ninov, Chopin Prelude, Smt-talk, entry posted Apr. 20, 2013,
The Smt-talk conversation depicts the discord between contrapuntal and harmonic
analyses; to this day, neither approach goes undisputed. Regarding the analysis of
Chopins Prelude, I agree with Khannanov and Ninov because I feel that for western
listeners, a harmonic analysis of Chopins Prelude is an appropriate method for
examining its ambiguous character.14 Schachter, on the other hand, explains why a
harmonic analysis of the op. 28 no. 4 Prelude is problematic, stating that the chord-bychord successions fit most uncomfortably in this framework [harmonic analysis]; the
putative inferences receive inadequate confirmation from the subsequent course of
events.15
Ironically, Schachters reasoning against roman-numeral analysis is my reasoning
for a harmonic analysis of Chopins Prelude. An analysis of tonally ambiguitylike that
in Chopins Preludethat aims to uncover underlying stability will almost certainly
disregard the ambiguous character of the work, which is a defining quality of Chopins
Prelude. Instead, the analysis should address the ambiguity. A linear approach examines
what I feel to be a less-important component of the Preludestabilityand a vertical
harmonic analysis attempts to explicate an essential componentambiguity.16
14
Patrick McCreless, Schenker and Chromatic Tonicization: A Reappraisal, in Schenker Studies
ed. Hedi Seigal (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990); David Kopp, Chromatic Transformations,
103-134; Matthew Brown, The Diatonic and the Chromatic in Schenkers Theory of Harmonic
Relations, Journal of Music Theory vol. 30, no. 1 (Spring 1986). I dont suggest that Schenkerian analysis
disregard chromaticism; the topic of Schenker and chromaticism has been widely discussed and supported
by Patrick McCrelles, David Kopp, Matthew Brown, and many other music scholars. I do not side with
one approach or the otherboth are of value; however, each method has strengths or weaknesses
depending on the work pertaining to the analysis. In the case that the piece being examined is Chopins
Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4, I feel that a harmonic analysis is more revealing than a linear analysis in
regard to aural perception.
15
Schachter, The Prelude in E minor, 174.
16
This is not to say that perception is the most important aspect of musical analysis. To quote Jean
Jacques Nattiez, one cannot grasp the import of an analysis unless one takes into account the dimensions
Because a harmonic analysis of Chopins Prelude addresses perception, it also

addresses ambiguity: functional harmony that corresponds to a tonal syntax resembles a
western listeners aural perception of tonal music. It is due to a listeners exposure and
familiarity with western music that they perceive functional harmony to be aesthetically
pleasing. Just as tonal music complies with a western listeners perception, it complies
with a functional harmonic analysis.17
This correlation between a functional harmonic analysis and aesthetic value also
occurs in regard to atonality: atonal music is incompatible with functional harmonic
analysis and is not recognized as a popular genre of music.18
I will utilize this correlation to examine Chopins mastery of tonal ambiguity.
Along with a harmonic analysis, I will identify harmonic implications (which create
expectations) and note their outcome to determine whether Chopin fulfills or thwarts
expectations. I suggest that by manipulating harmonic implications and violations,
Chopin crafts the solemn pathos that is the E-minor Prelude. In chapter two I will
introduce my analytical method, apply it to mm. 1-12 of Chopins E-minor Prelude, and
of the corpus studied, the level of stylistic relevance, analytic approach, and sample size. Jean Jacques
Nattiez, Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music (Priceton, NJ: Princeton University Press,
1990), 148.
17
To a certain extent, a western listeners musical perception is isomorphic with a functional
harmonic analysis. William Thompson makes a similar observation, stating that it seems only reasonable
to believe that a healthy analytical point of view is that which is most nearly isomorphic with the perceptual
act. William Thomson, Style Analysis: Or the Perils of Pigeonholes, Journal of Music Theory vol. 14,
no. 2 (Winter 1970): 196.
18
League of American Orchestras. 2010. www.americanorchestras.org. I make the claim that
atonal music is unpopular in light of the 2009-2010 season orchestra rrepertoire report conducted by the
League of American Orchestras, which compiles the repertoire from 1,920 concerts performanced by 137
different orchestras. The report shows that out of the top twenty most frequently performed works,
seventeen are from the 19th century. Although their chromaticism is prominent, the three 20 th-century works
that remain are tonal , consisting of Shostakovichs Symphony No. 5, Barbers Adagio for Strings, and
Rachmaninoffs Piano Concerto No. 3. Because an orchestras repertoire is selected to attract patrons, the
selected repertoire in a given season represents what a society fiends attractive. Therefore, the absence of
atonal repertoire in this report shows that atonal music is unpopular.
review the relevant literature. In the final chapter, I will summarize my findings, explain
their significance, and explore potential future application.
CHAPTER II
EXPECTATIONS AND VIOLATIONS
2.1 Violation Types

A problem when investigating aspects of perception is modularity, a disputed theory
suggesting that modulesspecialized components of the mindprocess specific types of
information.19 Hypothetically, modules may exist to process different types of input, such
as language, vision, or music. Massimo Piccirilli, Tiziana Sciarma, and Simona Luzzi
suggest that within a music module, sub-modules may exist to process tonality, meter,
rhythm, intervals, and contour.20 My analysis of harmonic implication and expectation
assumes the plausibility of a sub-module that processes harmony.
Knowledge of a musical syntax is not innate; rather, it is developed through
formal and informal exposure.21 Altering exposure affects knowledge of a musical
syntax, and altering knowledge of a musical syntax affects expectations. Therefore,
19
Jerry A. Fodor, The Modularity of Mind (Cambridge, MA: MIT press, 1983).
Isabelle Peretz and Max Coltheart, "Modularity of Music Processing," Nature Neuroscience
vol. 6, no. 7 (2003): 688-691; Massimo Piccirilli, Tiziana Sciarma, and Simona Luzzi, "Modularity of
Music: Evidence From a Case of Pure Amusia," Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry vol. 69,
no. 4 (2000): 541-545.
21
Frank Jackson, Epiphenomenal Qualia, The Philosophical Quarterly vol. 32. no 127 (1982):
127-136. An education in music theory is an example of formal exposure, while only listening to jazz is an
example of informal exposure. Frank Jackson, an Australian philosopher, makes a distinction between
these two types of knowledge in his famous thought experiment known as Marys Room. In the German
language a similar distinction between types of knowledge: wissen (formal knowledge) and kennen
(informal knowledge).
20
altering exposure affects expectations. Consider a hypothetical scenario in which a

subject experiences identical events A1 and A2 in numerical order. As shown in Figure 1,
the implication of event A1, Imp1, is based on the subjects formal and informal exposure
to a musical syntax, represented as EF+I.22 The implication of event A2, Imp2, differs from
that of A1 given that the subjects current exposureEF+I+A1includes event A1.
Exposure Event Implication

+ A1
Imp1
EF+I+A1 + A2
Imp2
EF+I
Figure 1. Implication of A1 and A2
I use the progressions in Figures 2a and 2b to introduce my method of comparing

implications. In Figure 2a, I precedes a partial circle-of-fifths progression: vi - ii - V .
In Figure 2b, the progression I - iii - IV - V outlines the tonic triad in the bass voice. Both
progressions end on a dominant harmony that implies a resolution to tonic. I suggest that
Figure 2a implies tonic more strongly than Figure 2b because it contains strong root
movement down-by-fifth and a cadential V with the leading tone in an outer voice;
whereas Figure 2b contains a weaker harmonic progression, an overall descent in the
upper voice from (8-5), and a cadential V triad with the leading tone in an inner voice.
Regardless of an implications strength, events can unfold as the composer
wishes, be that either to fulfill or to violate expectations. I identify several violations of
22
David Lewin, Music Theory, Phenomenology, and Modes of Perception, Music Perception:
An Interdisciplinary Journal vol. 3, no. 4 (1986): 327-392. When I refer to implications as imp, I use
Lewins terminology.
10
harmonic expectations and how much they differ from the implication. I classify a
specific type of violation and refer to it as a shared violation; an example is shown in
Figure 3.
C:
vi ii V
C:
I iii IV V
Figure 2. a, I - vi - ii - V Progression;
b, I - iii - IV - V Progression
C:
I vi ii V
Figure 3. Shared Violation
The first four chords in Figure 3I - vi - ii - V are identical to the

progression in Figure 2a. The penultimate chordV implies a resolution to tonic in
11
root position, which is shown in parentheses above the staff. In this parenthetical
implication, the resolution of V fulfills expectations: the leading toneB4ascends by
step to tonic, the chord rootG4descends to E4, the 7thF3descends to E3, and the
inner voice D4 descends by step. The V in Figure 3, however, resolves to a firstinversion C-major harmony with a melodic G4 as opposed to the parenthetical melodic
C5. This resolution illustrates a shared violation because I shares pitch content with the
parenthetical implication. The violation occurs in the voicing of I : B descends to G4,
violating the expectation that a leading tone in an outer voice ascends by step.
A potential violation is shown in Figure 4. Figures 3 and 4 are identical except for
the V in Figure 4 and its resolution to vi. The final chord in Figure 4viviolates
expectations. While B4, F4, and D3 resolve correctly by step, the chord rootG3
ascends to A3, violating the expectation of a descent-by-fifth to C3. Unlike the bass
movement in Figure 3, where the E3 is a chord member of the implied harmony, the
ascent from G3 to A3 in Figure 4 creates a different harmonythe submediant. The
V - vi resolution illustrates a potential violation because vi has the potential to follow V
given that the tendency tones resolve correctly. This allows a deceptive resolution to exist
among the implications following a dominant harmony (according to the syntax of
functional tonality). The implication of a deceptive resolution, however, is secondary to
that of an authentic resolution, thereby lowering the sense of a violated expectation, and
creating less disorientation.
A lowered sense of violations occurs in events other than music. Consider a
scenario in which you see dark clouds approaching. Dark clouds can imply multiple
12
C:
I vi ii V
vi
Figure 4. Potential Violation
events, such as rain or thunder. Of these implications, rain is expected due to it occurring
often after seeing dark clouds, similar to the primary implication of a tonic resolution
after V . Thunder, on the other hand, can come as a surprise due to it occurring less often
after seeing dark clouds, similar to the secondary implication of vi after V . While a quiet
thunder is slightly startling, it is not shocking given that it is a secondary implication.
An unrelated violation is shown in Figure 5. The first four harmonies and the
parenthetical implication in Figure 5 are identical to the two previous Figures. The
resolution of V to ii in Figure 5 violates expectations; similar to the violation in Figure
4, the bass voiceG ascends to A , but this time neither of the tendency tonesB or
F resolves correctly and the inner voice D remains as a common tone instead of
descending by step. Furthermore, unlike the vi chord, ii does not share any tones with the
implied I . Therefore, V - ii illustrates an unrelated violation because ii is unrelated to
any significant implication of V . Unlike Figures 3 and 4, this violation provides a
harmonic progression that lies beyond the scope of a syntax associated with music from
13
the common-practice period. Among the violation types in Figures 3-5, the unrelated
violation is the most significant due to the creation of disorientation and tonal ambiguity.
C:
I vi ii V
ii
Figure 5. Unrelated Violation
2.2 Application in Chopins Prelude

Having identified three violation types, I will analyze Chopins E-minor Prelude, op 28.
no. 4, mm. 1-12, so as to compare harmonic implications to the Preludes events. I will
classify events that differ from an implication as a shared, potential, or unrelated
violation. A first-inversion E-minor chord occupies m. 1, shown in Figure 6.23 At the end
of the measure, upper-neighbor C5 embellishes the melodic B4. As an initial harmony,
E minor lacks context but has multiple implications, though some are weak. The context
23
Throughout my analysis I often disregard the melodic quarter note at the end of each measure
because of its embellishing function.
14
in which E minor appearsinitiating the Prelude and repeating in m. 1suggests it as

the tonal center. This occurs for two reasons: the first harmony in a musical work is often
tonic, and the repetition (self-reference) of a harmony asserts its presence.24
Figure 6. Chopin, Prelude in

E minor, op. 28, no. 4, m. 1
Of the chords that E minor (i ) implies, B (V ) is the strongest, shown in
parentheses after m. 1 in Figure 7a. Besides V , secondary implications exist, such as a
subdominant harmony, which Figure 7b shows parenthetically. Although i - iv is
possible, its implication strength is secondary to V , making i - iv a potential violation
(PV in Figure 7b). Regarding hypothetical unrelated violations of i , the possibilities are
almost infinite. For example, the A harmony in Figure 7c constitutes as an unrelated
violation (shown as UV).
Measure 2 fulfills expectations by providing the implied V , which coincides with
an inner-voice suspension, shown in Figure 8. The E4 from m. 1 remains in m. 2 as a nonchord tone before resolving. The suspensions resolution to the leading tone (D#4) is
spelled enharmonically as E%4, creating a (7 - %7) suspension in the left-hand; this results
24
Being in first inversion, the implied tonic in m. 1 lacks the stability of a root position tonic.
Schachter makes a similar observation, stating that if we hear the opening chord [e ] as representing a
structural tonic, then we feel that lack of a stabilizing root underneath it. Carl Schachter, The Triad as a
Place and Action, Music Theory Spectrum vol. 17, no. 2 (Autumn 1995): 150.
15
in an enharmonically spelled dominant harmony that is notated as such below

the staff in Figure 8.26 Upper-neighbor C5 from m. 1 returns in m. 2 to embellish the
melodic B4. Because the C5 in m. 1 embellishes B4, its repetition in m. 2 has an identical
function.27
1
PV
SV
e:
(V )
e:
(iv)
PV
e:
UV
(A )
Figure 7. a, SV example; b, PV example; c, UV example

1
e:
7------------------%7
(enharmonic)
Figure 8. Chopin, Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4, mm. 1-2

The enharmonic V in m. 2 implies a resolution to i in m. 3, shown
parenthetically in Figure 9a. The implied resolution fulfills expectations: B4 remains as
the common tone while all other tones resolve by step (E%4 - E$4, A3 - G3, F#3 E3).
Instead, expectations are violated in m. 3: instead of one tone remaining and three
moving by step (Figure 9a), three tones remain and one moves by step, shown in Figure
26
Certain editions, such as Karl Klindworths and the Paderewski edition, substitute D#4 for
E%4. While this enharmonic notation does not violate aural expectations, it can certainly violate visual
expectations.
27
However, one could argue that C5 in m. 2 is the 7th of an enharmonic vii in E minor, or the %9th
of the enharmonic V . I suggest that exposure to the upper-neighbor C5 in m. 1 predisposes a listener to C5
as an embellishment of B4, influencing their perception of C5 in m. 2.
16
9a. The top three voicesB4, E%4, and A3continue in m. 3 while the bass F#3 descends
28
to F$3, which creates V
alt.
PV
7--------------%7
e:
V - - - - - - - - - - - - - V
alt
(enharmonic)
7--------------%7
e:
(i )
(enharmonic)
Figure 9. a, Violation in m. 3; b, Implication in m. 3
While it violates expectations, V
alt
in m. 3 retains the dominant function from the
prior V , represented by dashes below the staff in Figure 9a. V in m. 2 has implications
secondary to i , such as a continuation of V . Because V
alt
retains the dominant
function, it is a secondary implication, making it a potential violation (labeled PV

between the staves in Figure 9a). V in m. 2 doesnt imply the altered fifth in m. 3.
Although the alteration can increase disorientation, it has potential to clarify the tonic
E-minor for several reasons. First, the bass in mm. 1-2 descends chromatically from
28
Mark Levine, The Jazz Theory Book (Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co. 1995). Levine uses alt to
notate altered harmonies. So the V alt in Figure 9a, m. 3 represents a harmonic alteration, such as % , # ,
% , or # . In m. 3 the Prelude, alt refers to a % .
17
G3 - F#3 - F$3 and implies a continuation to E3 in m. 3. Also, V
alt
retains components
from m. 2 that define a dominant function chordroot B4, enharmonic leading tone E%4,
7th of V A3, and tritone A3 - E%4while altering the 5th of V , which is the least important
chord tone of a dominant harmony. In addition, F$3 can function as an upper leading-tone
(% ) to tonic.29
V
alt
in m. 3 functions as a dominant and implies a resolution to i , shown
parenthetically in Figure 10a. Similar to the previous implication, the parenthetical

resolution to i in Figure 10a retains B4 as a common tone while the remaining tones
move by step (E%4 - E$4, A3 - G3, F$3 - E3). Also similar to the previous implication is its
violation: instead of one tone remaining and three moving by step (Figure 10a), three
tones remain and one moves by step, shown in Figure 10a. This time, however, the
enharmonic leading-tone E%4 descends to D4 while F$3, A3, and B4 remain.
Because the leading tone is an essential component of any dominant harmony,
this violation does not retain the prior dominant function. Instead, the violation is a b
chord, which the preceding V
alt
does not imply, making it an unrelated violation (UV in
Figure 10a). As such, b is a more significant violation than the prior, creating more
disorientation via the leading tones descent. However, V
29
alt
in m. 3 implies tonic less
For F$3 to lower ambiguity, a listener must be familiar with chromaticism. Also, the violation of
a strong implication will result in a greater sense of disorientation. Because the violation occurs on a
downbeatincreasing the implications strengththe sense of disorientation is more significant.
Considering the average western listener, I suggest that the inverted leading-tone function of F$3 will not
significantly reduce the disorientation resulting from the violation. However, the implication strength of V
was substantially lower due to its voicing; suppose the behavior of the tenor voice in m. 1-2 was switched
with that of the soprano voice, making B4 in m. 1 descend to A4 in m. 2. In this scenario, the implication
strength would increase due to the 7th of the dominant harmony, a tendency tone, occuring in the upper
voice. This raises an inquiry for further research: is the voicing of V in m. 2 of Chopins E-minor Prelude
used to create a subtle transition from tonality to ambiguity?
18
strongly than V in m. 2 because the former follows a violation that creates

disorientation, muffling the unrelated violation b .
PV
7----------------%7
e:
(i )
alt
PV
UV
7---------------%7
e:
alt
(enharmonic)
Figure 10. a, Implication in m. 3; b, Violation in m. 3

While b can potentially function as ii of A minor, I suggest that it isnt
perceived as such due to context. The subsequent harmony clarifies the function of b :
A3 of the half-diminished harmony descends to G#3, while melodic chord tone B4 ascends
to C5, shown in Figure 11a. Therefore, the final harmony in m. 3 incorporates B4 instead
of C4 and creates g# . This context results in a subdominant-to-dominant progression
(ii - vii ) in the key of A minor, shown in Figure 11a.
This context allows a new interpretation of the altered dominant harmony in
E minor at the end of m. 2. Along with its dominant function in E minor, V
alt
can
function as an enharmonic Fr+ sonority in A minor, shown below the staff in Figure 11a.
19
In retrospect, the Fr+ harmony implies a dominant harmony in A minor. The enharmonic
+
6 interval of F$3-E%4, however, doesnt resolve as expected: F$3 remains instead of
descending to E3, and E%4 descends to D4 instead of ascending to E$4. Only from a
retrospective perspective is this a violation of an augmented harmony in A minor.
Because of this, I will not regard these events as violations.
1
PV
UV
7---------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
alt
+6
ii
a: Fr
vii
(i
V i )
4
PV
UV
PV
7----------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
alt
a: Fr+6
ii
vii

The progression in m. 3Fr+ - ii - vii implies a resolution to A-minor. Due
to the bass voice F$3 in vii the implied A-minor harmony is in second inversiona rare,
but possible scenario in which it has a cadential function leading to a cadence in A minor,
shown in parentheses. In this scenario, B4 ascends to E4, F$3 descends to E3, D4 descends
to C4, and the leading tone G#3 ascends to A4.30 Chord tones E4, C4, and A3 of the
30
The bass descent from F$3 to E3 fulfills the prior expectation and completes the chromatic
20
cadential i desend to D4, B3, and G#3 to create V , which resolves to i .

The vii chord at the end of m. 3 can function as a partial resolution of the
dominant harmony from the E-minor in mm. 1-2. This interpretation draws from the
concept that a leading-tone chord is an extension of V: vii is V without the root pitch,
and vii is V without the root pitch. In this sense, vii in A minor at the end of m. 3
equates to V , a dominant harmony built on E. Thus, a plausible interpretation is that a
delayed resolution of the E-minor progression in mm. 1-2i - V occurs at the end of
m. 3, where the vii /A minor is a substitute for E minor.31
Measure 4 violates expectations, and instead of the implied i in the key of A
minor, F$3 descends to E3 while G#3, D4, and B4 remain to create V in A minor, shown in
Figure 11b. Because the implied i had a cadential function, V partially fulfills
expectations. The violations disorientation is lowered by two prior violations that
specifically lead the listener away from E minor as a tonic, both of which occur during
the short time span of m. 3. The type of violation also lessens the disorientation in m. 4;
among chords that vii at the end of m. 3 implies is a continuation of the dominant
harmony, making V in m. 4 a potential violation, shown in Figure 11b.
The V harmony in m. 4 extends the dominant functionality of the prior vii , and
implies i , shown parenthetically in figure 12a.32 The B4 and D4 descend by step, G#3
descent from G3 (m. 1) to E3.

31
Stefan Kostka, Dorothy Payne, and Byron Almen, Tonal Harmony (New York: McGraw-Hill,
2012). Kostka, Payne, and Almen acknowledge this type of secondary-dominant substitution in
19th-century music, noting that V /iv an vii /iv can substitute for a tonic harmony.
32
In order to provide space for the parenthetical implication, Figure 12a slightly alters the duration
of B4 in m. 4 from a dotted-half note to a half note.
21
ascends to tonic, and chord root E3 descends to chord root A2. Chopin violates
expectations, and instead of all voices changing (as implied) only one voice descends
while the others remain, shown in Figure 12b. The leading tone descends from G#3 - G$3
to create v , which the prior V does not imply, making v an unrelated violation.
PV
UV
PV
7--------------%7
e:
alt
(enharmonic)
a: Fr+6
1
ii
vii
(i )
PV
UV
PV
UV
7--------------%7
e:
V
(enharmonic)
alt
alt
+6
a: Fr
ii
vii
V#
Overall, four violations occur in mm. 1-4, as labeled in Figure 13. At each
violation, the strongest implication appears in parentheses above the staff. Arrows
between parenthetical chords represent the continuation of the harmony. The implied
chords in m. 3 are identical, whereas those in m. 4 differ by inversion.
v $
22
( i )
( i )
( i )
( i )
PV
UV
PV
UV
V#
v $
7------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
Figure 13. PV - UV Pattern
alt
+6
ii
a: Fr
vii
Certain aspects of m. 3 repeat in m. 4: an extension of the prior dominant

function, the PV followed by UV, and the irregular resolution of the leading tone in the
UV. Figures 14a and 14b juxtapose m. 3 and m. 4 to show the repetition. In both Figures,
the end of the previous measure is included to contextualize the extended dominant
function. The initial statement in m. 3 is in E minor, whereas the repetition in m. 4 is in
A minor.
( i )
PV
e:
( i )
( i )
UV
alt
a: vii
(enharmonic)
Figure 14. a, PV - UV in m. 2; b, PV - UV in m. 4
( i )
PV
UV
V#
v $
23
A melodic descent from B4 - B%4 occurs at the end of m. 4, shown in Figure 15a.33
A C# fully-diminished chord supports B%4 and suggests multiple tonal resolutions: D
minor/major, F minor/major, A% minor/major, or B minor/major.34 The prior E-minor
seventh chord is a diatonic harmony in two of these keys: ii in D and iv in B.35 The
chords spelling (C# E G B%) implies D with C# functioning as # .36 Chopins prior
notation, however, allows for a second interpretation: in m. 2 he enharmonically spells
the leading tone of E minor (D#/# ) as E%4. Therefore, the diminished harmony in m. 4
can be interpreted as an enharmonic spelling of vii in B minor (A# C# E G).37
33
B4 in m. 4 implies upper-neighbor C5 due to repetition of the embellishment in mm. 1-3. B4

descends to B%4 in m. 4, violating expectations. This concerns implications of melody, not harmony.
34
While major keys do not contain a diatonic fully-diminished seventh chord, they are still
included because it is not uncommon for a major key to borrow from the parallel minor.
35
B major is also a possibility given that vii can be borrowed from the parallel minor.
36
The diminished harmony in this case is considered a borrowed chord from the parallel D minor.
37
Similar to E%4 in m. 2, Karl Klindworth notates B%4 in m. 4 as A#4. This alteration in editions
provides a hint as to the function of this diminished harmony. If the editors spelling alteration of E%4 in m.
2 implies that they interpret it as an enharmonic leading tone, then the editors spelling alteration of B%4 in
m. 4 also implies that they interpret it as an enharmonic leading tone. Therefore, the editors interpret the
last two harmonies in m. 4 as iv - vii in B minor/major.
24
Regarding potential tonal centers in mm. 1-4, the movement of E minor through
A minor to D major is the more plausible option for two reasons. First, the D major
interpretation fulfills a circle-of-fifths motion (E/i - A/iv - D/%VII). Also, in this D major
interpretation, the E harmony in m. 4 functions as a dominant in the prior key of
A minor, as well as a secondary dominant in the key of D major. This creates a pattern in
which the transition between implied tonal centers occurs on a dominant chord in the
former key and a secondary dominant in the later key: the transition chord in m. 2 is V
alt
in E minor and a Fr+ harmony in A minor, and the transition chord in m. 4 is V in A

minor an V /V in D major.38
Due to the circle-of-fifths motion, and the pattern of the transition chords, the end
of m. 4 suggests a D-major tonicization: v in A minor also functions as ii in D and
precedes a vii harmony that implies I , shown in Figure 15a.39 In the parenthetical
implication, the leading tone (C#4) ascends to tonic while the remaining tones descend by
step.40
Measure 5 violates expectations: both the leading tone C#4 and the melodic B%4
descend by a half step, while the tenor G3 and bass E3 remain to create v , shown in
Figure 15b. Because v is not implied by the preceding vii it is an unrelated violation.
The PV - UV ordering in m. 3 and m. 4 doesnt continue in m. 5. Instead, Chopin
condenses the pattern: a UV that lowers the leading tone on the second beats of m. 3 and
38
If the third key area is B minor, then the transition chord functions as V /%VII.
Just as vii of A minor in m. 3 can be interpreted as a substitution for the E-minor resolution in
mm. 1-2, vii of D major in m. 4 can be interpreted as a substitution for the A-minor resolution in m. 3.
40
Similar to the implication of the Fr+ m. 2, the implications of V /V in m. 4 are violated in
retrospect, and for that reason I do not identify these violations as such.
39
25
m. 4 now occurs on at the beginning of m. 5.
2.3 Summary
Thus far, three implied tonal centers have occurred. The initial E-minor section in
mm. 1-3 spans five beats, shown in Figure 16. The section concludes in m. 3 with a PV.
The remainder of m. 2 and the beginning of m. 3 contain the A-minor section, which
spans three beats and ends with a PV. The D major section spans two beats in m. 4 and
ends with an UV. A down-by-fifth relationship exists among sections, shown by arrows
below the staff.
The sections in mm. 1-4 progressively decrease in duration. The A-minor section
doesnt contain a tonic harmony prior to a violation, which makes its duration two beats
less than the prior E-minor section. While the D-major is similar to A-minor in this
respect, it lacks a PV and is one beat shorter than the A-minor section.
Comparing the UV harmonies in m. 3 and m. 4 reveals several patterns. First, the
leading tone in each section descends by a half step. Also, the UV harmony functions as a
supertonic chord (ii) in a new key (ii /A minor in m. 3 and ii /D major in m. 4). Finally,
the key area in which the UV harmony is a subdominant is a fifth below the prior tonal
area. Given these patterns, it is possible to speculate as to the function of the UV harmony
in m. 5 (a ). If the pattern continues, the UV harmony will function as a supertonic chord
in G (a perfect fifth below D). These predictions are fulfilled: a can function as
ii /G major. It is also possible to predict the harmony that will follow a in m. 5. In m. 3
and m. 4, a leading-tone harmony follows the supertonic chord. The pattern continues,
26
E minor
5 beats
1
D major
2 beats
A minor
3 beats
PV
UV
PV
UV
UV
7--------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
V alt
a: Fr+6
ii
vii
V#
Perfect Fifth
v $
D: ii vii
Perfect Fifth
Figure 16. Overview of mm. 1-5
and a ii - vii progression in G-major occurs in m. 5, shown in Figure 17.

The ii - vii in m. 5 implies I in G major, shown parenthetically in Figure 17.41
The leading tone (F#3) ascends to tonic while the remaining tones descend by step.
Measure 6 violates expectations: instead of resolving to tonic, vii remains and prolongs
the dominant function, shown in 17.2. Similar events occur in m. 3 and m. 4: V
alt
minor in m. 3 and V /A minor in m. 4 occur instead of the implied tonic. Just as V
/E
alt/E
minor and V /A minor, vii /G major in m. 6 is a potential violation. This PV, however,
differs from those in m. 3 and m. 4; while V
alt
/E minor and V /A minor alter the prior
dominant harmony, vii /G major is identical to the prior dominant harmony.

On the second beat of m. 6, the seventh of vii E3descends to D#3 and creates
an enharmonic vii of G major, shown in Figure 17.2. The fully-diminished harmony at
41
The harmonic content of m. 5 is very similar to that of m. 3. Both contain a leading-tone chord in
third inversion that implies its respective tonic in second inversion. Therefore, the implied i in m. 6 has the
same cadential function as the implied i in m. 4.
27
the end of m. 6 suggests that mm. 5-6 is in the key of E minor as opposed to G major, as
illustrated in Figure 18. Both interpretations are shown in the harmonic analyses below
the staff: the G-major interpretation is shown above the linea progression of ii - vii vii and the E-minor interpretation is shown below the linea progression of iv - ii vii .
If mm. 5-6 are interpreted as a progression in E minor, then they are the first
instance in mm. 1-6 of a repeated key area. The E-minor interpretation doesnt follow the
sequence; In contrast; the G-major interpretation does by continuing the established
pattern: E - A - D - Gand the ii - vii progression. Therefore, I do not interpret mm. 5-6
in the key of E minor.
PV
UV
PV
UV
UV
7---------%7
e: i
(enharmonic)
V alt
a: Fr+
ii
vii
V#
Perfect Fifth
v $
D: ii vii
Perfect Fifth
G: ii
vii
(I )
Perfect Fifth
PV
UV
PV
UV
UV
PV
7-------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
V alt
a: Fr+6
ii vii
V#
v $
D: ii vii
v
G: ii
vii - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Figure 17 a, Implication in m. 6; b, Violation in m. 6
28
29
G: ii
vii --------------------------
e: iv
ii
vii
Figure 18. Duality in mm. 5-6

I suggest that multiple aspects of mm. 5-6 are intended to create ambiguity. The
first chord in m. 6 is almost identical to the prior harmony in m. 5; this creates ambiguity
by violating the expectation that a new measure contains a new harmony.42 Also, the
implied G-major tonic in mm. 5-6 spans four beats and ends the durational pattern of
implied keys: E minor/5 beats -A minor/3 beats - D major/2 beats. This prolonged
duration of G major could be an intentional to increase ambiguity; when the ii - vii
sequence arrives at G major (III), it extends the duration and takes advantage of the
G-major/E-minor interpretation discrepancy.
The progression in mm. 5-6 implies G , shown parenthetically in Figure 19a.
Because a leading-tone chord in third inversion occurs at the end of m. 5 and at the end of
m. 6, they imply similar harmonies. If the pattern of events from mm. 1-4 were to
continue in m. 7, then the expectation of a tonic resolution will be violated and replaced
with a V harmony.43 Chopin does exactly this and continues the pattern in m. 7 with a
PV of V , shown in Figure 19b.
42
This expectation is created by the pattern of events in mm. 1-5.

A similar scenario occurs in the A-minor section in mm. 3-4: the vii at the end of m. 3 implies i
, and the V at the beginning of m. 4 violates this expectation.
43
30
4
PV
UV
D: ii
vii
PV
v
G: ii
vii ------------------------------------
PV
UV
D: ii
vii
(i )
7
PV
PV
v
G: ii
vii ------------------------------------
(en harmonic)

The V harmony in the tonicized area of G major prolongs the prior dominant
function of m. 6 and lasts throughout the entirety of m. 7, as seen in Figure 20a. At the
end of m. 7, the melodic pattern is altered: instead of the quarter note that occurs at the
end of each measure in mm. 1-6, the upper neighbor B4 is a dotted quarter note that
returns to A4 at the end of m. 7. V implies a G-major tonic chord in root position, shown
parenthetically in m. 8. In this parenthetical revision, the root of V in the bass voice
descends to the root of i , the leading tone (F#3) ascends to tonic, and two upper voices
descend by step.
If the pattern in mm. 1-5 continues, the leading tone will descend in m. 8 to create
an UV. Chopin does exactly this, as shown in Figure 20b. F#3 descends to F$3 while all
31
other chord tones remain to create v of G major, which is an UV. The G major section,
therefore, spans six beats, which is the longest section thus far. Figure 21 illustrates the
span of key areas in mm. 1-7.
4
PV
UV
D: ii
vii
PV
PV
PV
vii ---------------------------
UV
D: ii vii
v
G: ii
(i )
8
PV
PV
UV
vii -------------------------
V#
v $
v
G: ii

The duration of the E-minor and G-major sections significantly outweighs the
passage of the A-minor and D-major sections. The disorienting effect of the G-major
duration in mm. 5-7 is further revealed in Figure 21. Because of the large duration of the
other sections, the G-major section can be misinterpreted as a continuation of the prior
E-minor area, which creates ambiguity via a discord between an E-minor interpretation
and a G-major interpretation. Also, the G-minor section begins with the UV in m. 5,
which creates disorientation via the interruption of the PV - UV pattern in mm. 3-4.
The UV in m. 8 completes the G-major section. Given the pattern of events in mm. 1-8,
one can speculate as to the function of the d harmony in m. 8. When the leading tone
32
descends in each key areaE%4 - D4 in m. 3, G#3 - G$3 in m. 4, and C#4 - C$4 in mm. 4-5
its descent coincides with a supertonic harmony in the following key area. In the circleof-fifths pattern, a C-major tonicization follows the G-major key area. Thereby, I
speculate that V of G major in m. 7 also functions as V /V in C major, while the d
harmony in m. 8 is ii of C major. An enharmonic b harmony occurs at the second beat
of m. 8 an functions as vii of C major; this continues the ii - vii sequence and supports
the C-major interpretation, which is shown in Figure 22a.44
The ii - vii progression in m. 8 implies a C-major tonic triad in root position,
shown parenthetically in m. 9 of 22a. The leading tone (B3) ascends to tonic while the
other chord tones (G#4, F3, and D3) descend by step. In m. 9 a partial resolution occurs:
while D3 and F3 resolve to C3 and E3 as expected (shown parenthetically in m. 9 of Figure
22a), G#4 and B3 remain in m. 9 and create a PV, shown in Figure 22b.
It is not a surprise that the partial resolution in m. 9 is a deception, and
expectations are violated shortly after the PV. The leading tone (B3) descends and creates
an UV; unlike prior violations, however, the soprano (G#4) resolves to a potential tonic
(A4). Within the context of C major, the a harmony is an UV due to the leading tones
descent. A resolution occurs when interpreting the fully-diminished seventh harmony in
m. 8 as vii /A minor. In this scenario, m. 8 can function in the key of A minor: the
initial d harmony is iv /A minor, the b
on the first beat of m. 2 is ii /A minor, and the
fully-diminished harmony at the end of the measure is vii /A minor.
44
Similar to E%4 in m. 2, G#4 in m. 8 functions enharmonically as A%4, the 7th in vii /C (also
considered the %9 of V).
E minor
5 beats
1
D major
2 beats
A minor
3 beats
3
PV
G major
6 beats
UV
PV
UV
ii vii
V#
v $
UV
PV
PV
vii -------------------------
7--------------%7
e:
V (enharmonic)
alt
+
a: Fr
Perfect Fifth
Perfect Fifth
D: ii vii
v
D:V /V ii G:
viiii
Perfect Fifth
Figure 21. Overview of mm. 1-7
33
PV
UV
D: ii vii
PV
PV
UV
vii ----------------------
V#
v $
C: ii
v
G: ii
vii
(i)
(enharmonic)
PV
UV
D: ii vii
PV
PV
UV
PV UV
v
G: ii
vii --------------------
V#
v $
C: ii
vii
vi
(enharmonic)
a: iv
ii vii
34
35
The parenthetical A-minor progression in mm. 8-9 is similar to the hypothetical

E-minor progression in mm. 5-6 shown parenthetically.45 While the A-minor resolution
violates the initial sequence, it potentially fulfills an expectation by continuing the
parenthetical pattern.
The A-minor sonority in m. 9 is the first resolution of a dominant function
harmony in the Prelude. Not only do five implied tonal centers and nine violations occur
prior to this first resolution, but the first resolution is itself a violation. Chopin disturbs
musical perceptions and interchanges ambiguity with tonality: ambiguity becomes
familiar in mm. 1-8, whereas the glimpse of tonality in m. 9 is atypical. Unlike much
music where ambiguous sequences are secondary to tonal passages, the sequential
violations in mm. 1-8 are superior, and the tonal resolution in m. 9 is inferior.
Figure 23a compiles my analysis of mm. 1-9. A sequence of violations is
illustrated above the staff. The E-minor section in mm. 1-3 contains the first statement of
the PV - UV pattern, shown above m. 3. The second statement occurs in m. 4, which is
the end of the A-minor section. Because the D-major section ends prematurely in m. 5, a
statement of PV - UV doesnt occur, and only UV of the pattern is present in m. 5. The
G-major key area in mm. 5-7 contains a PV. The UV in m. 5 from the D-major section
and the PV in m. 6 from the G-major section create an altered statement of PV - UV; as
shown by the double connected arrow above the staff in mm. 5-6, UV - PV alters the
PV - UV pattern via reversal. In mm. 7-8 of the G-major key area, the original statement
45
The hypothetical E-minor progression in mm. 5-6 is shown in Figure 18. While mm. 1-5 can be
interpreted as containing instances of this hypothetical progression (iv - vii), I dont speculate as to
whether this is the case or not.
36
of PV - UV pattern returns. The sequence repeats in m. 9 of the C-major section, shown

above the staff.
The harmonic analysis below the staff labels the implied tonal centers of mm.
1-9. Just as in prior Figures, the arrows connecting tonal areas show the circle-of-fifths
pattern, which concludes at the A-minor section in mm. 8-9. This coincides with other
digressions: the first fulfilled resolution occurs in m. 9, which is accompanied by the first
instance of an expressive melodic line.
The ii - vii pattern in mm. 1-9 is extracted in Figure 23b. The lines reference
where each chord appears in the Prelude. While Figure 23b is scarce, it is important to
note that much of the content not shown in Figure 23b are repeated harmonies; the
harmonic content in mm. 1-9 isnt as dense as it may seem. The empty space in Figure
23b brings to light the contrast in duration between implied tonal centers. Significant
gaps occur in the E-minor section and the G-major key area. As previously mentioned,
the G-major sections duration creates ambiguity because its harmonic content can be
interpreted in E-minor.
If the predominant functioning supertonic harmonies in Figure 23b are removed,
then a chromatic descent occurs among the vii harmonies. Figure 24a illustrates this to
reveal the chromatic pattern of the leading-tone chords. The harmonic analysis illustrates
how the descent of fully-diminished leading-tone chords tonicize keys in a circle-of-fifths
pattern.
PV
UV
PV
UV
UV
PV
PV
UV
PV
UV
7------------%7
e:
(enharmonic)
alt
a: Fr+ ii
vii
V#
v $
D: ii vii
Perfect Fifth
Perfect Fifth
v
G: ii
V#
vii --------------------------
v $
C: ii
Perfect Fifth
vii
vi
ii vii
Perfect Fifth
e: iv
e: i
ii
vii
a: iv
V
a: ii
vii
D: ii vii
G:ii
C: ii
vii
vi
a: iv
vii
37
Figure 23. a, Overview of mm. 1-9; b, Reduction of mm. 1-9
vii
38
e:
vii
vii
vii
of a
of d
of G of C
vii
iv
(or of a)
1
e:
vii -------
iv
of a
Figure 24. a, Summary of mm. 1-9 (2);

b, Summary of mm. 1-9 (3)
Because vii in m. 8 has a function in both C-major and A-minor, I suggest a
different interpretation exists for mm. 3-9. In this new interpretation, vii /A-minor in
m. 3 is prolonged to m. 8, where it is respelled as vii /A-minor. Figure 24b illustrates
this interpretation by removing the chords between vii in m. 3 and vii in m. 8 to reveal
movement of pitches into different registers, as indicated by the diagonal lines. The
soprano B4 moves to alto B3, alto D3 moves to bass D3, tenor G#3 moves to soprano G#4,
and bass F3 remains as tenor F3. Figure 24.2 reveals an underlying progression:
i - V - vii /iv - iv . As previously mentioned, a secondary dominantV /(x) or
vii /(x)can substitute for a diatonic harmony. In this scenario, vii
/iv can substitute
for the tonic E-minor.46
46
The leading-tone chord of A-minor can be considered a V harmony with an omitted bass. Since
39
Figure 25a distinguishes the ii - vii pattern in mm. 3-8. The fulfillment of the
sequence requires a violation of the vii harmony; if vii were to resolve to tonic, the
ii - vii sequence ends (this occurs in m. 9). It is possible, however, for the harmonic
sequence to imply its continuation. Therefore, two implications can exist. The first is an
implied tonicii - vii - (i)and the second is an implied sequential repetition
ii - vii (ii - vii). Because the former implication violates the later, and vice versa,
ambiguity occurs. When the implied sequential repetition occurs, however, ambiguity can
decrease due to an expectation being fulfilled.
a: ii
vii
G: ii
(E%: ii
vii
D: ii
B%
V D: ii
vii
e%
Db: ii
C: ii
vii
A%
V C: ii V )
Figure 25. a, ii - vii Sequence; b, Jazz Sequence
V /A-minor is E , vii can substitute for the E-minor tonic.
40
A similar harmonic scenario occurs in jazz an can be seen excerpt from Lou
Donaldsons tune, Cookin, shown in Figure 24b. The initial f - B% function as ii - V
of E% and imply a tonic resolution. An e harmony violates this implication. An A chord
follows e , resulting in a ii - V of D, which is a repetition of the prior harmonic
progression in E%. This process continues, creating a ii - V progression in D% then in C.
Just as the sequence in the Prelude, a sequence of violations occurs in Cookin.
I speculate that the fulfillment of a violation sequence decreases the disorientation
resulting from violations of harmonic implications within the sequence. Most often in the
jazz context, the ii - V sequence ends by resolving to tonic.47 This doesnt occur in the
Prelude: while a tonic resolution ends the sequence in m. 9, it is not the tonic that the
final ii - vii implies. In addition to the surface harmonic violations, this creates a second
level of violations. The surface level is the violation of tonal implications in mm. 1-9,
which I interpreted as a PV - UV pattern. The second violation-level occurs in m. 9 and
contradicts the implication of the prior ii - vii sequence. Figure 25 contains mm. 8-9 and
illustrates both of these levels.
The surface-level violation concerning harmonic implication is shown between
the staves. The second-level violation concerning sequential implication is shown above.
The parenthetical roman numerals to the left of Figure 26 provide context for the
sequence. The first-inversion A-minor harmony in m. 9 is both a first and second level
violation that also fulfills a tonic implication.48 This creates a significant conflict for the
47
While not as common, the ii - V progression in jazz can be interpreted instead as a i - IValt
progression.
48
This is not to say that the resolution to tonic isnt a violation itself. It is possible to interpret the
resolution as such given that mm. 1-8 develop a pattern that doesnt consist of resolutions. Other potential
41
2nd level
violation
(sequential)
(G: ii vii )
vii
C: ii
8
vi
9
UV
PV
UV
(enharmonic)
vii
C: ii
a: iv
ii
vii
Surface level
violation
(harmonic)
Figure 26. Multiple Violation Levels

listener where two violations coincide with the familiar progression from mm. 1-9.
Chopin toys with perception, and in mm. 1-8 the confirmation of a tonal resolution is
withheld and replaced with a sequence of violations; then, in m. 9 the sequential
implication is withheld and replaced with tonality.
It isnt shocking that the A-minor tonality in m. 9 doesnt continue to m. 10.
Instead, the A-minor harmony progresses to B , shown in Figure 26. C3 descends to
chord root B2, E3 suspends in m. 10 before descending to D#3, A3 remains, and A4
descends a minor third to F#4.49 B can either function as V /V in A minor or V in E
violations exist in m. 9, such as the expressive melodic line and the melodic suspension.
49
Note the similarities between the suspensions in m. 10 and m. 2. Also, note the leap in the
melody; other than the embellishment Figure in m. 9, stepwise motion has restricted the melody thus far.
This brings attention to the leap from A4 to F#4. I suggest that attention is drawn to this moment for good
reason: the second level of violation concerning repetition thwarts expectation of a ii - vii progression
tonicizing F in m. 10. In this scenario, the stepwise melodic descent in mm. 1-9 continues to G4. The tonal
resolution to A-minor, however, thwarts expectations and withholds the melodic G 4. The melodic leap in
mm. 9-10 draws attention to the missing G4.
42
minor. In the later, the tonicized A-minor in m. 9 can have a second function as iv /E
minor.
Because A-minor hasnt had a strong establishment as tonic, the B in m. 10
functions as V /E minor. The iv - V progression in E-minor implies i on the second beat
of m. 10, shown parenthetically in Figure 27a. Chord root B2 descends to chord root E2,
leading tone D#3 ascends to tonic E3, and upper voices A3 and F#4 descend to G3 and E4,
respectively. Chopin violates expectations and instead of tonic, V progresses to ii ,
which is an unrelated violation, shown in Figure 27b. The ii harmony implies a
dominant chord of E minor.
V in m. 11 fulfills this expectation and creates a ii - V progression that
continues the subdominant-to-dominant sequence from mm. 3-9.50 Similar to m. 10, V in
m. 11 precedes a ii harmony that creates an UV. The V harmony returns in m. 12 and
for the first time, the left-hand repetition ends. A melodic passage in the right hand
outlines the dominant harmony and resembles the expressive style in m. 9. D#4the
leading tonebegins the second beat and ascends to F#4, which in turn ascends to D$5.
While the $ is unexpected, it continues the # - $ violations from the sequence in
mm. 3-9. A stepwise descent of D$5 - C5 - B4 completes m. 12, which marks the end of
the antecendent.
50
While ii - V in mm. 10-11 differs from the ii - vii sequence, V shares functionality with vii,
which makes it an acceptable substitution.
UV
PV
10
UV
(enharmonic)
C: ii
a: iv
ii
vii
vi
vii
UV
PV
------#3/V
(V)
10
UV
UV
(enharmonic)
C: ii
a: iv
ii
vii
vi
vii
------#3/V
f#
e: ii
43
44
2.4 Other Interpretations

This harmonic analysis of the antecedent from Chopins Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4,
does not focus on tonality; rather, it represents a lack of tonality and an overwhelming
presence of ambiguity in the antecedent. While other analyses of this Prelude present
similar views, they do not have similar opinions concerning the benefit of using harmonic
analysis. Given that the complete Prelude in E minor is a tonal work, much of the
theoretical literature about it utilizes Schenkerian analyses. I will examine Schenkerian
analyses by Carl Schachter, Heinrich Schenker, and Justin London to place my analysis
within the context of Schenkerian literature.51
In The Prelude in E minor, Op. 28, No. 4: Autograph Sources and Intepretation,
Schacther uses two autograph sources to support his interpretation.52 Within mm. 1-12 he
identifies an underlying contrapuntal pattern, drawing from a previous analysis in another
article, titled Schenkers Counterpoint.53
Schachter interprets the left-hand of the antecedent phrase as using the familiar
and age-old technique of parallel 6/3 chords, here elaborated almost beyond recognition
by suspensions, chromatic inflections and anticipations.54 He claims that a conjunct
passing motion in 6/3s fills the space between the opening i and the iv of bar
51
Eric Clarke, The Semiotics of Expression in Musical Performance, Contemporary Music

Review vol. 17, part 2 (1998): 87-102; Allen Forte and Stephen Gilbert, Introduction to Schenkerian
Analysis: Instructors Manual (New York: W.W. Norton and Co.) 98. Other Schenkerian interpretations by
Clarke and Forte arent considered because they correspond to Schachters and Schenkers analysis.
52
Carl Scachter, The Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4: Autograph Sources and Interpretation,
in Chopin Studies 2, ed. John Rink and Jim Samson. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994), 161182.
53
Carl Schachter, Schenkers Counterpoint, The Musical Times vol. 129 no. 1748 (1988): 524529.
54
Carl Schachter, The Prelude in E minor, 171.
45
9.Meanwhile the right hand is also moving down, but at a slower rate and with sounds
that make dissonances (4/3 formations) against all of the left hands 6/3s except the
beginning tonic and the goal iv.55 Schachters depiction of this contrapuntal pattern from
Chopin Studies 2 is shown in figure 28.
Figure 28. Schachters Analysis
Schachter reduces mm. 1-9 to show the progression i - iv connected by

descending harmonies that are ornamented by 7-6 suspensions. The remaining
harmonies are labeled as chromatic inflections and anticipations. Schachter depicts this
analysis and removes all content unrelated to his contrapuntal sequence, which is
illustrated by comparing mm. 1-8 from the score to figure 28.
Schachters contrapuntal interpretation of the antecedent section in mm. 1-12
provides a potential underlying structure, and while it may represent an age-old voiceleading technique hidden within Chopins ambiguity, it does not reflect the listeners
overwhelming sense of disorientation. Schachters analysis is validthat in mm. 1-12,
Chopin embellishes parallel chordsthen perceptions of a general structure should
55
Ibid., 171.
46
occur. I would argue that the excessive chromaticism Chopin uses to embellish the
parallel harmonies accountsfor the perceived ambiguity. But chromaticism that functions
as ornamentation doesnt often create ambiguity; rather, I suggest that tonal ambiguity
requires the presence of tonality, and without a sense of tonality, tonal ambiguity is
equivalent to atonality.56
This is an issue regarding Schachters analysis of the antecedent phrase: to
interpret these harmonies as not having a function is to disregard their acoustic property.
In order to properly analyze these harmonies, I would argue that it is essential to observe
the tonal ambiguity they create, and the creation of tonal ambiguity requires a sense of
tonality to make the music ambiguous.
A second concern of Schachters analysis of the antecedent phrase is the descent
that begins with a first-inversion E-minor harmony in m. 1 and ends with a B dominantseventh harmony in m. 12. Between these chords in mm. 2-11 is a stepwise descent in
each voice.57 Because of this, various chords and chord alterations occur as the voices
descend by step. Naturally, this results in numerous anticipations, suspensions, and
parallel chords. Perceiving the harmonic content in this light, Schachters parallel
harmonies and suspensions are among other possible parallel harmonies embellished by
suspensions.
56
I find the antecedent from Chopins Prelude to be tonally ambiguous, and not atonal. To provide
a contrast, compare mm. 1-12 from Chopins Prelude Op. 28 No. 4 (tonal ambiguity) with Schoenbergs
Opus 11 No. 1 (atonality).
57
The descending steps are mostly a half step with the exceptions being B 3-A3 in mm. 1-2 and
m. 9, D3 - C2 in mm. 8-9, and A4 - F#4 in mm. 10-11.
47
An influential interpretation for Schachter is apparent when comparing his

analysis to Heinrich Schenkers analysis of the same Prelude in Harmony.58 Schenker
interprets a movement from tonic in m. 1, through the subdominant in m. 5, to the
dominant harmony in m. 10. His analysis is reproduced in figure 29. Similar to
Schachters analysis, Schenker states that all individual phenomenon within the broad
deployment of scale-stepsrepresent passing chords59
58
Heinrich Schenker, ed. Oswald Jones, trans. Elisabeth Mann Borgese, Harmony (Chicago, IL:
The University of Chicago Press, 1972). In Schenkers Counterpoint, Schachter mentions Schenkers
analysis of the E-minor Prelude and claims that when Schenker analyzed this passage [antecedent of op 28
no 4] in Harmonyhe did not get it quite right Schachter then notes that instead of identifying a
structural IV chord in bar 9, Schenker identified it in bar 5.
59
Heinrich Schenker, Harmony, 148.
48
Justin London and Ronald Rodman review Schenkers and Schachters analysis
and reject their interpretation.60 This rejection concerns the fundamental structure as
opposed to the local harmonic content.61 London and Rodman do, however, pay closer
attention to the sonorities in the antecendent phrase. Instead of the underlying diatonicprogressioni - iv - V presented by Schachter and Schenker, London and Rodman
observe an ambiguous underlying progression, shown in reproduction of their analysis in
Figure 30.
Figure 30. Londons and Rodmans Analysis
While they observe the harmonic progression in mm. 7-8vii - %VII - %vii
London and Rodman do not acknowledge its strange character, stating that scale degree
is given various forms of harmonic support [in mm. 5-9]iv4/3 and ii4/2 in m. 5;
ii4/2 and viio7 in m. 6; and V7/III [reference to %VII in figure 29] in m. 7, and vii7
[reference to %vii in figure 29] in m. 8, completing the prolongation of the subdominant
60
Justin London and Ronald Rodman, Musical Genre and Schenkerian Analysis, Journal of
Music Theory vol. 42, no. 1 (Spring 1998), 101-124.
61
London and Rodman reject Schenkers and Schachters interpretation that a complete or line
occurs; instead, they identifygiven the structure of a true Preludean incomplete Urlinie that doesnt
contain . According to London and Rodman, the fundamental structure is ambiguous.
49
with the iv6 in m. 9.62 It is strange, however, for a Schenkerian interpretation to interpret
the function of %VII and %vii to be harmonic support that prolongs because of the
missing leading tone. But instead of identifying the unusual harmonic events, London and
Rodman classify them as various forms of harmonic support.63
Some non-Schenkerian approaches propose theoretical concepts and
interpretations that are similar to mine. Examples of such analyses are those by Richard
S. Parks, Mark Schmukler, and Dmitri Tymoczko.64 While their approaches are similar
regarding harmony, the results of their analyses differ from my own.
Richard Parks creates a suitable context for his analysis by presenting the
concepts of Gerald Abraham that examine Chopins tendency to experiment with altered
harmonies and to use excessive ornamentation.65 The article begins with Parks quoting
Abrahams concept of Chopins ambiguity:
Abraham cited passagesin which the main constituent is the fully diminished
seventh chord, stating that only the initial and last seventh chords in the
succession can be related to a key; thus, in his words, there has been a temporary
suspension of the principle of tonality.Chopin thinks in terms of more
advanced, chromatically complicated harmony and [employs] the free weaving in
of passing notes, ornaments, and even ornaments-to-ornament.66
Abrahams and Parksss assessment of Chopins style from 1939 resembles Schachters
interpretation of the Prelude. Parkss analysis of Chopins Prelude, however, pays more
62
Ibid., 102.
Ibid., 102.
64
Other analyses of Chopins Prelude are not reviewed because they do not focus on the harmony
in mm. 1-12. See Kofi Agawu, Concepts of Closure and Chopins Opus 28, Music Theory Spectrum vol.
9 (Spring 1987) 1-17; Charles J. Smith, On Hearing the Chopin Preludes as a Coherent Set: A Survey of
Some Possible Structural Models for Op. 28, In Theory Only vol. 1, no. 4 (July 1975): 5-16.
65
Gerald Abraham, Chopins Musical Style (London 1938).
66
Richard S. Parks, Voice Leading and Chromatic Harmony in the Music of Chopin, Journal of
Music Theory vol. 20 no. 2 (1976): 190.
63
50
attention to the chromaticism, while Schachter focuses on the linear motion and
underlying structural harmonies. While it seems that Parks attempts to interpret Chopins
ambiguity, his analysisshown in Figure 31suggests otherwise. For example, as
Parksss analysis develops through level a - b - c in Figure 31, the introduction of new
chromatic harmonies are presented without stems to show their lack of function. In level
c, Parks illustrates his interpretation of the entire antecedent phrasemm. 1-12. In the
entirety of mm. 1-9 in level c, all but six pitches are without function. Parkss analysis is
surprisingly more general and reductive than Schachters analysis. He identifies the
underlying progression i - V and overlooks the subdominant harmony that Schachter
observes in m. 9.
In contrast to the linear analyses reviewed thus far, Dmitri Tymoczko interprets
the Prelude from a vertical perspective:
Sometimes it is implied that the harmonic content of the opening phrase
[Chopins Prelude, mm. 1-12] is insignificanta long chromatic series of passing
tones from the structural opening chord to the structural dominant that closes
the phrase. By contrast I interpret the piece as a four-voice texture exemplifying
one of the most basic progressions in all of tonal musicthe descending-fifths
sequence, albeit freely embellished by chromatic passing tones.67
While Tymoczkos harmonic approach is strikingly similar to my own, the outcome is
slightly different: because he focuses on the descending-fifths sequence between V
harmonies as opposed to dominant-functioning harmonies (as I do), Tymoczko is left
67
Dmitri Tymoczko, A Geometry of Music: Harmony and Counterpoint in the Extended Common
Practice (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2011), 287.
Figure 31. Parkss Analysis
51
52
with an interpretation that contradicts his descending-fifths hypothesis, which is

reproduced in Figure 32.68
Figure 32. Tymoczkos Analysis
The descending-fifths sequence that Tymoczko mentioned in the previous quote

does not match Figure 32. Tymoczko suggests that the sequence occurs via an alteration
of V where the 3rd and 7th of the dominant harmony descend a half-step and the 5th
descends a whole step to create a new V a fifth below the previous V . While this
approach correctly depicts the beginning of Figure 32, where B in m. 2 is altered to
create E in m. 4, the subsequent event does not follow the suggested pattern, and the E
harmony in m. 4 is not altered to create A , but D in m. 6.
68
Maciej Golab, Chopins Harmonik: Chromatik in ihrer Beziehung zur Tonalitt (Kln: Bela
Verlag, 1995); Dimitar Ninov, Chopin Prelude, Smt-talk, entry posted Apr. 20, 2013,
(accessed Apr. 28, 2013). Tyymoczko points out that his interpretation of Chopins Prelude in E minor, op.
28 no. 4, is similar to Golabs. Dimitar Ninovs analysis also resembles Tymoczkos interpretation;
however, Ninovs findings are a closer resemblance to my own analysis than Tymoczkos.
53
Tymoczko makes two observations that explain the contradiction between Figure
32 and the descending-fifth sequence. First, he claims that of the sequential events, it is
possible to eliminate one or more chords, lowering multiple notes by semitone at the
same time.69 This new concept makes an exception for the previous contradiction in
Figure 32: the missing A in the descending-fifth patternB - E - (A ) - D is the
result of a harmony being removed from the sequence.
Second, Tymoczko explains that because any note from a vii harmony can be
lowered to create V , there are three possibilities beyond the descending-fifth sequence
from Figure 33. This observation is presented in an illustration that is reproduced in
Figure 33. The (c) section in Figure 33 represents the descending-fifth sequence in
mm. 1-4 from the Prelude: the 3rd and 7th of F (A4 and E%5, respectively) descend a half
step to A%5 and D5 while the 5th of F (C5) descends to B%4, creating B% .70
While Tymoczkos findings are similar to my own, our analytical approaches
diverge: his interpretation focuses on theoretical precision, and my interpretation centers
on the the perception of ambiguity; regardless, both approaches are valid.
69
Dmitri Tymoczko, Geometry of Music Harmony, 288.

The F - B% in Figure 32(c) is comparable to the B - E in mm. 2-4 of the Prelude. The other
three possibilities in Figure 32 represent the ability of vii to transform into four different V harmonies
with just one tone being lowered: lowering the 3rd and root of f creates E (Figure 32(a) sequence
descending by semitone from F - E ); lowering only the 3rd of f creates G (Figure 32(b)sequence
ascending by a major second F - G ); and lowering the 7th of f creates D% (Figure 32(d) sequence
descending by a major third F - D% ).
70
54
Figure 33. Tymoczkos Four Sequences
CHAPTER 3
CONCLUSION
In this thesis, an intention of mine was to provide the reader with tools such that
they can comprehend and internalize the underlying structure of Chopins E-minor
Prelude, op. 28 no. 4. I argue that this goal has been achieved for several reasons: by
revealing the ii - vii sequence in mm. 1-12, exposing the descending-fifth pattern,
uncovering the potential violation - unrelated violation pattern, and most importantly,
providing the reader with an aural perception of how Chopin manipulates harmonic
implication and violations.
I also intended to develop an analytical method that interprets vertical harmonies,
tonal ambiguity, harmonic implications, and harmonic violations. Achieving this, my
thesis presents a means to examine perceptions of ambiguous music. This method has
future use concerning the analysis of ambiguous music and music perception. In this
scenario, my approach can be developed to better accommodate chromatic works.
Among the reviewed literature, a preference for linear methods of analysis instead
of a vertical method is apparent. I have shown that a vertical analysis of harmonic content
is also a valuable analytical method when studying ambiguous music, and its
55
56
combination with linear analyses can provide a greater understanding of tonally

ambiguous music. Given that this approach exposes an underlying pattern in Chopins
Prelude, I suggest that it can apply to other ambiguous works and provide similar results.
In addition to providing a unique analysis of a famous Chopin Prelude, this thesis
offers a novel interpretation of Chopins style, focusing on his utilization of harmonic
violations and perceptual manipulation. A comprehension of transitional composers
those who influenced avante-garde styles, such as Chopinis invaluable, and because
the Prelude in E minor exemplifies his compositional innovation and his avante-garde
chromaticism, this thesis reinforces the endeavor to research great transitional composers
like Chopin. By examining Chopins use of harmonic expectation and violation, I suggest
that this analytical method can provide an understanding of reasoning and inspiration that
underlies a mysterious work.
The findings in this thesis reveal that Chopin was truly a master of composition,
and an innovator in regard to creativity and abstract thought. I hope that my findings help
to development analytical methods and further musical comprehension.
57
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abraham, Gerald. Chopins Musical Style. Oxford University Press, 1938.
Agawu, Kofi. Concepts of Closure and Chopins Opus 28. Music Theory Spectrum 9
(1987): 1-17.
Brown, Matthew. The Diatonic and the Chromatic in Schenkers Theory of Harmonic
Relations. Journal of Music Theory 30 (1986).
Chopin, Frederic. Oeuvres Completes. Edited by Karl Klindworth. Berlin: Bote & Bock,
1879. Chopin, Frederic. Dziea Wszystkie (Complete Works). Edited by Ignacy
Jan Padereweski. Warsaw: Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne, 1954.
Clarke, Eric. The Semiotics of Expression in Musical Performance. Contemporary
Music Review 17 (1988): 87-102.
Forte, Allen, and Stephen Gilbert. Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis: Instructors
Manual. W.W. Norton and Company. 1982.
Fodor, Jerry. The Modularity of Mind. MIT press, 1983.
Forte, Allen. The Structure of Atonal Music. Yale University Press, 1973.
Golab, Maciej. Chopins Harmonik: Chromatik in ihrer Beziehung zur Tonalitt. Bela
Verlag, 1995.
Jackson, Frank. Epiphenomenal Qualia. The Philosophical Quarterly 32 (1982):
127-136.
Kopp, David. Chromatic Transformations in Nineteenth-Century Music. Cambridge
University Press, 2002.
Kostka, Stephen, Dorothy Payne, and Byron Almen. Tonal Harmony: With an
Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music. McGraw-HIll, 2012.
Levine, Mark. The Jazz Theory Book. Sher Music Co, 1995.
Lewin, David. Music Theory, Phenomenology, and Modes of Perception. Music
Perception: An Interdisciplinary Journal 3 (1986): 327-392.
Lewin, David. Generalized Music Intervals and Transformations. Oxford University
Press, 1987.
58
League of American Orchestras. Surveys, Reports, and Data.
http://www.americanorchestras.org/exhibitor-information/archive/knowledgeresearch-innovation/knowledge-center/surveys-reports-and-data/orr-survey/orrcurrent.html (accessed Apr. 28, 2013).
London, Justin, and Ronald Rodman. Musical Genre and Schenkerian Analysis.
Journal of Music Theory 42 (1998): 101-112.
McCreless, Patrick. Schenker and Chromatic Tonicization: A Reappraisal. Edited by
Hedi Seigal. In Schenker Studies. Cambridge University Press, 1990.
Meyer, Leonard. Explaining Music: Essays and Explorations. University of California
Press, 1973.
Narmour, Eugene. Beyond Schenkerism: The Need for Alternatives in Musical Analysis.
University of Chicago Press, 1977.
Nattiez, Jean Jacques. Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music. Princeton
University Press, 1990.
Parks, Richard S. Voice Leading and Chromatic Harmony in the Music of Chopin.
Journal of Music Theory 20 (1976): 189-214.
Peretz, Isabelle, and Max Coltheart. Modularity of Musical Processing. Nature
Neuroscience 6 (2003): 688-691.
Perle, George. Serial Composition and Atonality: An Introduction to the Music of
Schoenberg, Berg, and Weber, Revised. University of California Press, 1991.
Piccirilli, Massimo, Tiziana Sciarma, and Simona Luzzi. "Modularity of Music: Evidence
From a Case of Pure Amusia." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
69 (2000): 541-545.
Reti, Rudolph. Tonality, Atonality, Pantonality: A Study of Some Trends in TwentiethCentury Music. Greenwood Press, 1978.
Schachter, Carl. Schenkers Counterpoint. The Musical Times 129 (1988): 524-529.
Schachter, Carl. The Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4: Autograph Sources and
Interpretation. In Chopin Studies 2, Edited by John Rink and Jim Samson,
Cambridge University Press, 161-182. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
1994.
Schachter, Carl. The Triad as a Place and Action. Music Theory Spectrum 17 (1995):
149-169.
59
Schenker, Heinrich. Free Composition. Edited by Ernst Oster. Longman, 1979.
Schenker, Heinrich. Harmony. Edited by Oswald Jones, Translated by Elisabeth Mann
Borgese. University of Chicago Press, 1972.
Smith, Charles J. On Hearing the Chopin Preludes as a Coherent Set: A Survey of Some
Possible Structural Models for Op. 28. In Theory Only 1 (1975): 5-16.
Smith, Charles J. The Functional Extravagance of Chromatic Chords. Music Theory
Spectrum (1986).
Society for Music Theory. Smt-talk Archives. University of Chicago,
http://lists.societymusictheory.org/pipermail/smt-talk-societymusictheory.org
Stein, Deborah. Introduction to Musical Ambiguity. In Engaging Music: Essays in
Musical Analysis, edited by Deborah Stein, 7788. New York: Oxford University
Press, 2005.
Thomson, William. Style Analysis: Or the Perils of Pidgeonholes. Journal of Music
Theory 14. (1970):191-208.
Tymoczko, Dmitri. A Geometry of Music: Harmony and Counterpoint in the Extended
Common Practice. Oxford University Press, 2011.
VITA
Clifford Dustin Burden was born in Westminster, Maryland, on August 11, 1987,
the son of Kimberly Kelly Burden and Michael Lane Burden. After completing his work
at North Carroll High School, Hampstead, Maryland, in 2005, he entered Salisbury
University. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Salisbury University in
Spring 2010. In Fall 2011, he entered the Graduate College of Texas State.
Permanent Address:
4108 Murphys Run Court

Hampstead, MD 21074
This thesis was typed by Clifford D. Burden.

Analysis of Chopin Prelude

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Analysis of Chopin Prelude

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Analysis of Chopin Prelude

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What is the thesis about?

What is the thesis about?

What are the main sections discussed in the thesis?

What are the main sections discussed in the thesis?

FREDERICK CHOPINS PRELUDE, OP. 28 NO.

Presented to the Graduate Council of

for the Degree

Clifford D. Burden, B.A.

FREDERICK CHOPINS PRELUDE, OP. 28 NO. 4 IN E MINOR:

Committee Members Approved:

Cynthia I. Gonzales, Chair

FAIR USE AND AUTHORS PERMISSION STATEMENT

1. Implication of A1 and A2 ....................................................................................9

18. Duality in mm. 5-6 ...........................................................................................29

In my thesis I will examine vertical components of Chopins Prelude in E minor, op. 28

representing underlying structures in tonal music, my analysis will represent violations of

analysis had diminished in America by the end of the 20th century.

Chopins Prelude. In response to Jablonksy, Doyle asserts her point of view: Im

Because a harmonic analysis of Chopins Prelude addresses perception, it also

2.1 Violation Types

altering exposure affects expectations. Consider a hypothetical scenario in which a

Exposure Event Implication

Figure 1. Implication of A1 and A2

I use the progressions in Figures 2a and 2b to introduce my method of comparing

Figure 3. Shared Violation

The first four chords in Figure 3I - vi - ii - V are identical to the

Figure 4. Potential Violation

Figure 5. Unrelated Violation

2.2 Application in Chopins Prelude

in which E minor appearsinitiating the Prelude and repeating in m. 1suggests it as

Figure 6. Chopin, Prelude in

in an enharmonically spelled dominant harmony that is notated as such below

Figure 7. a, SV example; b, PV example; c, UV example

Figure 8. Chopin, Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4, mm. 1-2

to F$3, which creates V

Figure 9. a, Violation in m. 3; b, Implication in m. 3

While it violates expectations, V

in m. 3 retains the dominant function from the

retains the dominant

function, it is a secondary implication, making it a potential violation (labeled PV

G3 - F#3 - F$3 and implies a continuation to E3 in m. 3. Also, V

in m. 3 functions as a dominant and implies a resolution to i , shown

parenthetically in Figure 10a. Similar to the previous implication, the parenthetical

does not imply, making it an unrelated violation (UV in

in m. 3 implies tonic less

strongly than V in m. 2 because the former follows a violation that creates

Figure 10. a, Implication in m. 3; b, Violation in m. 3

6 interval of F$3-E%4, however, doesnt resolve as expected: F$3 remains instead of

Figure 11. a, Implication in m. 4; b, Violation in m. 4

cadential i desend to D4, B3, and G#3 to create V , which resolves to i .

descent from G3 (m. 1) to E3.

Figure 12. a, Implication in m. 4; b, Violation in m. 4

Figure 13. PV - UV Pattern

Certain aspects of m. 3 repeat in m. 4: an extension of the prior dominant

B4 in m. 4 implies upper-neighbor C5 due to repetition of the embellishment in mm. 1-3. B4

in E minor and a Fr+ harmony in A minor, and the transition chord in m. 4 is V in A

m. 4 now occurs on at the beginning of m. 5.

Figure 16. Overview of mm. 1-5

and a ii - vii progression in G-major occurs in m. 5, shown in Figure 17.

minor in m. 3 and V /A minor in m. 4 occur instead of the implied tonic. Just as V