Dedicated to Madame Berthe Marx-Goldschmidt. Trois Préludes mélodiques presents three contrasting character pieces that combine lyrical expression with considerable pianistic virtuosity. E. & C. 2796–2798.

The first, in A minor and marked Allegro moderato, is animated by energetic figuration and a strong melodic impulse.

The second, in F major and marked Andante con moto e molto appassionato, features an expressive and impassioned lyrical melody.

The third, in D minor and marked Allegro moderato, is the most brilliant and technically demanding of the set, sweeping across the keyboard with rapid triplet figurations before giving way to a more songful poco moderato middle section in the tonic major, interspersed with harp-like chords. The return to the opening key and material is poetically handled, with the rapid triplets returning in pianissimo. The harp-like chords reappear just before the conclusion.