Prelude Op. 2, No. 17 in A-flat major

There is a lullaby-like character to this prelude...though it is a slightly quirky and somewhat poignant lullaby, to be sure. Right from the beginning, the melody can't decide whether the prelude is in A-flat major or minor and this question continues throughout. After some unexpected turns in the harmony, the piece finally decides upon the major key and the music guides the listener to a place of quiet reverie, eventually drifting off to sleep.