Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows.

synonyms: overture, preliminary.

Roget 64: precursor, antecedent, precedent, predecessor; forerunner, vancourier^†, avant-coureur [Fr.], pioneer, prodrome^†, prodromos^†, prodromus^†, outrider; leader, bellwether; herald, harbinger; foreboding; dawn; avant-courier, avant-garde, bellmare^†, forelooper^†, foreloper^†, stalking-horse, voorlooper [Afrik.], voortrekker [Afrik.].    prelude, preamble, preface, prologue, foreword, avant-propos [Fr.], protasis^†, proemium^†, prolusion^†, proem, prolepsis [Gramm.], prolegomena, prefix, introduction; heading, frontispiece, groundwork; preparation etc. 673; overture, exordium [Lat.], symphony; premises.    prefigurement etc. 511; omen etc. 512.    ... show more

Polish: preludium, uwertura, przygrywka

Music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera.

Dutch: entree, intro, introductie, preambule, prelude, preludium, voorspel
Polish: preludium

Serve as a prelude or opening to.

Roget 62: precede; come before, come first; head, lead, take the lead; lead the way, lead the dance; be in the vanguard; introduce, usher in; have the pas; set the fashion etc. (influence) 175; open the ball; take precedence, have precedence; have the start etc. (get before) 280.    place before; prefix; premise, prelude, preface.    ... show more

Play as a prelude.