prelude

/ˈpreɪlud/

/ˈpreɪlud/

Other forms: preludes; preluding; preluded

A prelude is an introductory action, event, or performance that comes before a bigger or more momentous one. It is made of up the prefix pre- meaning "before," and the Latin root ludere meaning "play."

Speakers of old school French and Latin understood a prelude to be the notes that they would play or sing to warm up or test an instrument. Today preludes are more like introductions than practice, but you can still think of them as small warm ups to the main events. Preludes are often used in classical music, as well as in novels, to set the tone for the rest of the orchestral piece or story.

Definitions of prelude

1. noun

   something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
   synonyms: overture, preliminary, prologue

   type of:

   inception, origin, origination

   an event that is a beginning; a first part or stage of subsequent events
2. noun

   music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
   types:

   chorale prelude

   a composition for organ using a chorale as a basis for variations

   type of:

   music

   an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
3. verb

   serve as a prelude or opening to
   type of:

   function, serve

   serve a purpose, role, or function
4. verb

   play as a prelude
   type of:

   play, spiel

   replay (as a melody)