A short flight of music, or irregular air played by a musician before he begins the piece to be played, or before a full concert.

Something introductory or that shows what is to follow; something preceding which bears some relation or resemblance to that which is to follow. The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aeneis.

A forerunner; something which indicates a future event.

To introduce with a previous performance; to play before; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.

To precede, as an introductory piece; as, a lively air preludes the concert.

To serve as an introduction to.