Prelude
At first an introduction; later a complete piece in its own right
Related
A prelude began as an introduction before a suite or a set of pieces: testing the instrument, establishing the key, leading the ear into what follows. In the Baroque era preludes were often paired with fugues, their improvisatory figures preparing for strict counterpoint.
In the nineteenth century the prelude left its introductory role and became a complete piece. Chopin's twenty-four preludes each hold a single mood and run from half a minute to several minutes; Debussy and Rachmaninoff continued the idea of a short collection.
To judge a prelude, ask whether anything follows it. As an introduction it serves the movement after it; standing alone, it must complete its own departure and return. In a set, attend to the key scheme and the contrast of characters rather than picking out the familiar few.
Sources
- 前奏曲从引子到独立钢琴体裁的演变，参 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Prelude"；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.