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
Ternary Form
View all formterms →A three-part musical structure (ABA)
IntermezzoA piece played between other compositions or acts.
RondoA form in which a principal theme alternates with contrasting episodes
FugueA contrapuntal composition in which a subject is introduced and developed through imitative entries
FineThe end; the point at which the piece concludes.
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →