In the Prelude in E major, the ninth in the cycle, we hear the gravity of loftiness and depth. Huneker noted its ‘churchly rhythm and color’. It is often called a march-hymn prelude, and it does indeed display hymn-like elements and a gravity and sublimity of character. It is characterised by its extreme succinctness, slow tempo, low register, hymnic melody and simple harmony.Author: Mieczysław TomaszewskiA series of programmes entitled ‘Fryderyk Chopin's Complete Works’Polish Radio 2