choral prelude

Chorale preludes are typically polyphonic settings, with a chorale tune, plainly audible and often ornamented, used as cantus firmus. Accompanying motifs are usually derived from contrapuntal manipulations of the chorale melody.

A chorale prelude includes the melody of the chorale, and adds contrapuntal lines. One of the first composers to write chorale preludes was Samuel Scheidt. Bach's many chorale preludes are the best-known examples of the form.

Early versions of almost all the chorale preludes are thought to date back to 1710–1714, during the period 1708–1717 when Bach served as court organist and Konzertmeister (director of music) in Weimar, at the court of Wilhelm Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Weimar.

Among the composers who helped to develop this form were Sweelinck (1562–1621), Scheidt (1587–1654), Pachelbel (1653–1706), Buxtehude (1637–1707), Reinken (1623–1722), and Böhm (1661–1733).

prelude, musical composition, usually brief, that is generally played as an introduction to another, larger musical piece. The term is applied generically to any piece preceding a religious or secular ceremony, including in some instances an operatic performance.

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 those seen in an opera or an oratorio.

a hymn noun. a hymn, especially one with strong harmonization: a Bach chorale. a group of singers specializing in singing church music; choir.

The choir usually sings in four parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass: Soprano is the highest voice part, and is suitable for women and boys (before their voices break).

chorale. noun. cho·​rale kə-ˈral -ˈräl. 1. : a sacred song sung by the choir or congregation or both at a church service : hymn.

In many cases, perhaps the prelude is worship. The postlude, from my perspective, is really an exciting opportunity to lift up a musical offering to God but also an important moment to comment on a theme from the last hour's worship service or send the congregation out into the world with a message for the coming week.

A prelude (German: Präludium or Vorspiel; Latin: praeludium; French: prélude; Italian: preludio) is a short piece of music, the form of which may vary from piece to piece.

The most notable composer of preludes, J.S. Bach, gave each prelude its own distinct character; some are akin to arias, others to dance forms, toccatas, or inventions.