prelude

3 entries found for prelude.
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prelude[1,noun] prelude[2,verb] chorale prelude

Main Entry: ¹pre·lude
Pronunciation: 'prel-"yüd, 'prAl-; 'pre-"lüd, 'prA-; sense 1 also 'prE-"lüd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play -- more at LUDICROUS
1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2 a : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio b : an opening voluntary c : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif