pre
lude
Plural
preludes
1
a thing that comes before and introduces a more important event or action
- The sudden drop in stock prices was seen as a prelude to the economic recession.
- The brief meeting was just a prelude to the more serious negotiations that followed.
- The peaceful protest acted as a prelude to a larger movement for political change.
- The introductory speech was a prelude to the main event of the conference.
- A light rain shower served as a prelude to the approaching thunderstorm.
Synonyms:
2
a short section of a musical performance such as a fugue, opera, suite, etc. that introduces the main theme or subject
A prelude is a short piece of music that serves as an introduction to a larger composition or performance. It sets the mood and prepares the listener for the main work, offering a preview or establishing a thematic or emotional context. Preludes are commonly used at the beginning of musical works, such as operas or suites, and can also stand alone as independent pieces in genres like classical music and jazz.