Prelude Op. 2, No. 14 in D# minor

An atmosphere of despondency permeates this prelude. The 5/4 meter contributes to the quality of heartbreak felt throughout the piece as though it is difficult to place one foot in front of the other in order to move past the overwhelming grief. The melody grows from a single line in the right hand, adding another voice and culminating in large chords that express the full magnitude of loss.