chorale prelude

noun

Music.

1. a composition usually for organ that is based on a chorale or other hymn tune and is typically contrapuntal in style.

chorale prelude

noun

1. a composition for organ using a chorale as a cantus firmus or as the basis for variations

Word History and Origins

Origin of chorale prelude¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Whitehead’s own “Orgelbüchlein” project was inspired by a 17-year-old student of his who wrote an “Orgelbüchlein”-style chorale prelude on the English carol “Of the Father’s Heart Begotten” about 15 years ago.

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An impish Eckardt piece led into a reflective Bach chorale prelude.

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Half symphony, half oratorio, “The Prison” includes this striking chorale prelude, with dark and light in the same bars, at its heart.

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The restrained opening of the first movement came across like a hybrid of a Bach chorale prelude — complete with a walking Baroque bass line — and a stirring Romantic fanfare.

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Then this alluring theme starts, and a hint of what could be a Bach chorale prelude filters through.

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