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Music genre

Prelude

Prelude is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of classical music and composed musical work. Explore key artists and related styles.

Listen: Prelude examples

Bach, St Anne prelude for organ, BWV552, bars 33-36
0:20Public domainby BachWikimedia Commons
0:20
Chopin Prelude Op. 28, No. 15, bars 28-29
0:13Public domainby ChopinWikimedia Commons
0:13
Prelude op28 n4
1:55CC BY-SA 4.0by Hérisson grognonWikimedia Commons
1:55

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About Prelude

Prelude is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of classical music and composed musical work.

From Wikipedia

A prelude (German: Präludium or Vorspiel; Latin: praeludium; French: prélude; Italian: preludio; Russian: прелюдия) is a short piece of music, the form of which may vary from piece to piece. While, during the Baroque era, for example, it may have served as an introduction to succeeding movements of a work that were usually longer and more complex, it may also have been a stand-alone piece of work during the Romantic era. It generally features a small number of rhythmic and melodic motifs that recur through the piece. Stylistically, the prelude is improvisatory in nature. The term may also refer to an overture, particularly to an opera or an oratorio.

Genre family tree

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What is Prelude?

Prelude is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of classical music and composed musical work.

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