Chopin’s Complete Preludes (opp. 28, 45, and posth.)
transcribed for wind quintet
The piano preludes of Frédéric Chopin constitute a remarkable body of pieces. For this set of transcriptions, the complete op. 28 collection of twenty four preludes are included alongside the op. 45 prelude and the op. posth. “prelude” from 1834 in A-flat major. Inspired in part by the Well-Tempered Clavier in its exploration of all the keys, Chopin employs an alternation of relative major/minor keys, cycling through the circle of fifths. While it has become a modern practice to perform op. 28 in one go, selections were often presented. With this in mind, and in recognition of the degree of endurance required to perform the works on wind instruments, I have divided the set into three “books” of eight that would provide excellent concert excerpts. A più facile ossia version of the formidable eighth prelude has been provided as an alternative. This transcription set is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Vessela Minkova, a wonderful bassoonist who also loved Chopin’s music.
These transcriptions of Chopin’s preludes are available in a complete set, or as a selected set of seven easy preludes from op. 28. Each is offered for sale as a pdf score with a full set of parts from Black Tea Music. Visit their site to view a full perusal score:
