Introduction

What it means

An introduction is a slow opening of a movement or a whole work that precedes the actual main part. It usually stands at a notably slower tempo than what follows and prepares its entrance in sound and harmony.

Musical use

Introductions are especially common in the symphony and overture of the Classical and Romantic periods, where a slow, often solemn beginning leads into a faster main theme, for instance in many symphonies by Haydn. In operas, too, an introduction can open the first act and link several numbers into a larger whole. The term is also used for short introductory bars that prepare a theme without themselves containing thematic material.

The introduction should be distinguished from the prelude, which stands as an independent, usually shorter piece before another movement, and from the exposition of sonata form, which already presents the actual thematic material. The introduction, by contrast, remains preparatory and only leads toward the exposition.

Performance practice

In an introduction, listen for the build-up of tension toward the following main part: harmonic means such as a long-held dominant often announce the impending change. Shape the introduction's tempo deliberately measured and let the transition to the faster main part become clearly audible.