prelude
nounmasculine/prɨˈludjʊ/medium
pre·lú·di·o
Definition
Introduction or initial part of a musical work; event or action that precedes something more important.
The prelude of the sonata was delicate and melodic.
The small conflict was just the prelude to a larger war.
Common collocations
musical preludeprelude to warpoetic prelude
Etymology
Do latim 'praeludium'.