The climactic Prelude in C minor is preceded by the Prelude in E flat major. This has a character that is close to an etude. The uniformity of the motion, against the constant, regular undulation of the dynamics and a tempo swift as the wind, is apt to give an impression of being in the presence of that very element. The E flat major Prelude not only precedes the C minor. With its last bars, it also seems to announce it. Hence it is sometimes played attacca, without a moment’s intake of breath.Author: Mieczysław TomaszewskiA series of programmes entitled ‘Fryderyk Chopin's Complete Works’Polish Radio 2