Dictionary.net

play as a prelude, of musical pieces

serve as a prelude or opening to

An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture.

To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.

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

To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.

A short piece of music played as an introduction to a longer piece; preface; something done to prepare the way for something more important.

To serve as an introduction to; precede.

A short piece of music before a longer piece: a preface: a forerunner.

To play before: to precede, as an introduction.

Introductory piece of music; something that precedes.

To perform a prelude; preface.

To begin with a prelude; precede.

Preluder.

Anything introductory.

Something introductory or preparatory, as indicative of what is to follow: a forerunner; a short strain of music before a regular piece or concert.

To introduce; to play before.

To serve as an introduction.

A short musical flourish or voluntary played before the commencement of the piece to be performed; the overture; something introductory; something which indicates a future event.

To precede; to introduce a piece of music with a voluntary movement; to serve as an introduction to.

n. [Latin] An introductory performance preceding and preparing for the principal matter; especially, a musical strain introducing the theme or chief subject introduction; preliminary.