Lexic.us

Definition of Prelude

1. Noun. Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows. "Drinks were the overture to dinner"

2. Verb. Serve as a prelude or opening to.

3. Noun. Music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera.

4. Verb. Play as a prelude. "They will prelude the duet"

Definition of Prelude

1. n. 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.

Definition of Prelude

1. Noun. An introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface. ¹

2. Noun. (music) A short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece. ¹

3. Verb. To introduce something, as a prelude. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Prelude

1. to play a musical introduction [v -LUDED, -LUDING, -LUDES]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Prelude

preloadable preloaded preloader preloaders preloading preloads prelocalization prelocalizations prelocate prelocated

prelocates prelocating prelockout prelogical preloved prelude (current term) preluded preluder preluders preludes

preludi preludial preluding preludio prelumbar prelumirhodopsin prelunch preluncheon prelusion prelusions

Literary usage of Prelude

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Library of Literary Criticism of English and American Authors by Charles Wells Moulton (1905)
"THE prelude 1850 Friend of the wise! and teacher of the good! Into my heart have I received that lay More than historic, that prophetic lay Wherein (high ..."

2. Elson's Music Dictionary: Containing the Definition and Pronunciation of by Louis Charles Elson (1905)
"The word prelude has* been applied to compositions of a free and improvised ... Gluck was the first to use the prelude before the opera in this manner. ..."

3. Elson's Music Dictionary: Containing the Definition and Pronunciation of by Louis Charles Elson (1905)
"The word prelude has been applied to compositions of a free and improvised ... Gluck was the first to use the prelude before the opera in this manner. ..."

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