Prelude

·vt To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.

II. Prelude ·vi To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.

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

IV. Prelude ·vt 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.