Prelude
An introductory piece of music that precedes a larger work or stands as an independent short composition
Category
form
Pronunciation
PREH-lyood
Origin
French
Length
84 words · 1 min read
About Prelude
Preludes originally served as warm-ups or introductions — Bach wrote preludes before each fugue in The Well-Tempered Clavier. Chopin transformed the prelude into a standalone miniature, writing 24 preludes in all major and minor keys.
More form terms
Recitativo
View all formterms →A vocal style imitating natural speech rhythms.
IntermezzoA piece played between other compositions or acts.
CadenzaA virtuosic solo passage, often improvised, near the end of a movement.
OvertureAn orchestral introduction played before an opera, oratorio, or suite begins
ConcertoA large-scale composition for solo instrument and orchestra, typically in three movements
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →