Prelude to a Storm | Contemporary Piece for Solo Piano (Early Intermediate)

Prelude to a Storm — Brock Chart

Prelude to a Storm is a contemporary solo for early intermediate students, written in response to a teacher request for a piece inspired by Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude but centered around thunderstorms instead. While the final result leans more contemporary than romantic, I’m really happy with how it came out. The repeated D throughout the piece acts as a subtle “drone,” echoing Chopin’s constant raindrop motif.

Being from Kansas, I couldn’t help but think about the atmosphere of a real Kansas thunderstorm while writing this. There’s a magical, eerie quality to the air right before it breaks open, and I wanted that tension to come through. The opening section builds slowly, like distant thunder forming on the horizon. The middle, faster section represents the sound of porch wind chimes — often the very first sign that a storm is rolling in — before the music shifts back into the heavier, more dramatic textures of the approaching storm.

The piece is built around patterns that make it easier for students to learn and memorize while still sounding like a more advanced work. I love writing music with a narrative in mind and pictured a scene of the coming storm as I composed this. I think that would be a great exercise for students too, helping them craft their own version of the piece and shape the storm in their imagination.

🎵 About this piece:

• Level: Early Intermediate
• Style: Contemporary Solo Piano
• Format: Solo Piano
• Pedagogical focus: Narrative shaping, dynamic control, pattern-based learning
• Exploration: Encourage students to imagine their own storm story and shape the music around it.
• Scan and Play: Scan QR code for MP3 recording

📚 Perfect for:

• Recitals and expressive performance opportunities
• Students who enjoy atmospheric, narrative-driven pieces
• Developing musical storytelling and dynamic contrast

🎵 Listen to this piece: