Prélude I/8: La fille aux cheveux de lin, L. 117 No. 8

Very calm and gently expressive. In Section 1 the opening tune is stated over soft harmony, and the continuation adds a second idea and a cadence. In Section 2 the tune comes back with fuller harmony in the left hand, and a secondary motif swells to a climax that is then repeated an octave lower. A hushed, drone-like passage follows. In Section 3 the opening returns in expanded form, and then earlier motifs are recalled. The last sound is two spread octaves, D-flat then G-flat.

1. 0:10A / Section 1: opening motif
2. A / Section 1: continuation/cadence