prelude

• Nom désignant un événement, une action ou une représentation préliminaire qui précède et prépare quelque chose de plus important ; en musique, c'est une pièce qui introduit une fugue ou un acte d'opéra.

A noun referring to an introductory event, action, or performance that precedes and prepares for something more significant; in music, it is a piece that introduces a fugue or an act in an opera.

1. Introductory eventB2formalart

   An action or event that serves as an introduction to something more important.

   prélude

   • The economic downturn was a prelude to the recession.
   • The small skirmish was a prelude to the larger battle.
   • Her speech was a prelude to the official announcement.

   Synonymesforerunnerheraldintroductionlead-inopeningoverturepreambleprecursorprefaceprologue

2. Musical introductionB2formalart

   A short piece of music that introduces a longer work, such as a fugue or an opera.

   Prélude (introduction musicale)

   • The pianist played a beautiful prelude before the main concerto.
   • The opera began with a dramatic orchestral prelude.
   • Bach's preludes are often studied by music students.

   Synonymesintroductionoverture

• Verbe signifiant servir d'introduction ou de prélude à quelque chose de plus important, ou annoncer ce qui va suivre.

A verb used to indicate the act of serving as an introduction or preliminary to something more important.

1. Serve as an introductionB2formal

   To act as an opening or introductory part to something more significant.

   Servir d'introduction

   • The opening speech preluded the main conference.
   • A short musical piece preluded the theatrical performance.
   • The initial negotiations preluded the final agreement.

   Synonymesheraldintroduceprecedeprefaceusher in

2. Play as a musical preludeB2formal

   To perform a short piece of music that serves as an introduction to a larger work.

   Jouer en prélude

   • The pianist preluded the concert with a Chopin piece.
   • She preluded the symphony with a delicate melody.
   • The orchestra preluded the opera with a dramatic overture.