The preludes, many of which are very brief (some consisting of simple statements and developments of a single theme or figure), were described by Schumann as "the beginnings of studies". Inspired by J.S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier, Chopin's preludes move up the circle of fifths (rather than Bach's chromatic scale sequence) to create a prelude in each major and minor tonality. The preludes were perhaps not intended to be played as a group, and may even have been used by him and later pianists as generic preludes to others of his pieces, or even to music by other composers, as Kenneth Hamilton suggests: he has noted a recording by Ferruccio Busoni of 1922, in which the Prelude Op. 28 No. 7 is followed by the Étude Op. 10 No. 5. COUNT 6
QSN1 What piece of Bach's did Chopin take inspiration for his preludes? ANS1 The Well-Tempered Clavier QSN2 Who suggested that Chopin's preludes were not intended to be played as a group? ANS2 Kenneth Hamilton QSN3 What was described as "the beginning of studies" by Schumann? ANS3 The preludes QSN4 What inspired Chopin for his preludes? ANS4 J.S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier QSN5 Kenneth Hamilton suggests that the preludes may not have been meant as a group but rather as what? ANS5 generic preludes to others of his pieces QSN6 Who did a recording where Étude Op. 10 No. 5. follows relude Op. 28 No. 7? ANS6 Ferruccio Busoni