This collection investigates the technical and expressive possibilities of the piano through the lens of the prelude form across all twenty-four major and minor keys. Dmitri Shostakovich, a prominent 20th-century Soviet composer, utilizes this set to explore a wide range of tonal colors and rhythmic structures. The work serves as a pedagogical and performance-oriented framework that challenges the pianist to navigate diverse moods and technical demands within a concise format.

Musicologists and pianists frequently identify this collection as a significant contribution to the 20th-century piano repertoire. Experts highlight the work's technical accessibility compared to later compositions, making it a standard selection for intermediate to advanced students.