Independent preludes for piano appeared during the Romantic period and became

collections of short pieces exploring particular moods, musical figures or technical prob-

lems. Chopin s collection, in all major and minor keys, was the model for those of Heller,

Cui, and Busoni. Other composers including Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy,

Shostakovich, Gershwin, Messiaen, Ginastera and Martinu, exploited the prelude as a

pianistic character piece using short figures or motives and harmonic modulations.

Jeanine Yeager challenges the early intermediate student to explore expressive

nuances in her collection of Five Preludes by providing an opportunity for expression and

interpretation. The evocative mix of flowing melodic lines, using triplet motives and eighth

note figures, is designed for sensitive performances. These easy rhapsodic and lyrical

outpourings will become favorites with teens and adults.

We offer you our best wishes for an enjoyable time with Five Preludes.