Category:Prelude

Pre"lude, n. Etym: [f. prélude (cf. It. preludio, ll. praeludium), Fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See prelude, v. t.]

Defn: an introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the Principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; Especially (mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a Movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent Composers often synonymous with overture. The last georgic was a good prelude to the ænis addison. The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more than the Sequel, of the fact. Whewell.

Syn. -- preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; Harbinger; precursor.

Prelude Pre*lude", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preluding.] Etym: [l. praeludere, praelusum; prae before + ludere to play: cf. F. Préluder. See ludicrous.]

Defn: to play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory Performance; to serve as prelude. The musicians preluded on their instruments. Sir. W. Scott. We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point. Jeffrey.

Prelude Pre*lude", v. t.

1. To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a Prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.

2. To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory. [music] preluding some great tragedy. Longfellow