Preludial

prel·ude  (prlyd, prld, pr-)

n.

1. An introductory performance, event, or action preceding a more important one; a preliminary or preface.

2. Music

a. A piece or movement that serves as an introduction to another section or composition and establishes the key, such as one that precedes a fugue, opens a suite, or precedes a church service.

b. A similar but independent composition for the piano.

c. The overture to an oratorio, opera, or act of an opera.

d. A short composition of the 15th and early 16th centuries written in a free style, usually for keyboard.

v. prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing, prel·udes

v.tr.

1. To serve as a prelude to.

2. To introduce with or as if with a prelude.

v.intr.

To serve as a prelude or introduction.

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[Medieval Latin praeldium, from Latin praeldere, to play beforehand : prae-, pre- + ldere, to play; see leid- in Indo-European roots.]

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preluder n.

pre·ludi·al (pr-ld-l) adj.