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Thesaurus: prelude

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 …

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  1. v. t. 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.
  2. v. i. To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.
  3. v. t. To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.
  4. v. t. To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
  5. n. something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
  6. n. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
  7. v. serve as a prelude or opening to
  8. v. play as a prelude
  9. 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. 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. 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
  10. An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for theprincipal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.;especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; amovement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recentcomposers 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 thesequel, of the fact. Whewell.
  11. n:100 n. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera v. serve as a prelude or opening to v. play as a prelude