Prelude in C Minor – Study Guide Part 2 (Level 4)

Introduction

The Prelude in C Minor by Alexander Morovsky continues to build upon expressive Russian Romantic techniques while introducing a more melodic and lyrical phrasing in the Cantabile section. At Level 4, the focus shifts toward right-hand agility and fluidity, while the left-hand remains steady, repeating B♭. The key challenge in this section is the mastery of finger succession—ensuring smooth transitions and preparing for faster execution as skill progresses.

Adjustments for Level 4

To make the piece accessible at this level, we focus on simplifying coordination while maintaining the expressive qualities of the section:

• Right-hand dominance: Most of the passage is played by the right hand, refining its independence and fluidity.
• Left-hand stability: The left hand plays a repeating B♭, reinforcing rhythmic steadiness.
• Transition section: A brief but **fast-paced** passage connects part A to part B, momentarily engaging both hands.
• Final G in the left hand: Must be played with **finger 5**, preparing for future expansions in complexity.

Sheet Music

View the full sheet music on Piano Marvel:

Prelude in C Minor – Piano Marvel

Technical Challenges and Comparison to Masterpieces

This level introduces the concept of finger succession—choosing the right fingering to facilitate progressively faster playing. Key challenges include:

• Legato phrasing: The melody must be played with **consistent tone and smooth articulation**.
• Hand coordination: Though the left-hand remains minimal, it must stay rhythmically accurate while allowing the right hand to take expressive freedom.
• Preparatory fingering: The final G in the left hand should be played with **finger 5**, ensuring that future variations will be playable.

These technical demands mirror those found in works such as **Chopin’s Nocturnes** (where right-hand legato is crucial) and **Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words**, both of which require fluid melodic phrasing.

Supporting Pieces from Piano Marvel

To reinforce these techniques, we recommend the following method books and exercises available on Piano Marvel at Level 4:

• Hanon Exercise No. 4 – Developing finger independence.
• Beyer Studies – Strengthening right-hand agility.
• Burgmüller: Ballade Op. 100, No. 15 – Introducing cantabile phrasing.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering the Cantabile section at Level 4 develops essential right-hand fluency, a key element in Romantic piano repertoire. 

Learn the Finale in Part 3 of this piece.

As you gain confidence, continue refining phrasing and speed before advancing to Level 6, where both hands engage more actively with expanded note sequences.

For personalized lessons and structured guidance, take official Piano Marvel lessons with Tabea Hirzel and refine your technique under expert instruction.