前奏

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 前奏 is read as ぜんそう; it combines 前 (before) and 奏 (performance) for the musical prelude before a song or main section.
• Basic usage: Use 前奏が始まる when the introduction begins and 短い前奏を練習する when it is the object of practice.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Position within the music
  • It is the musical introduction preceding the song or principal section, not every event that happens before a performance.
• Subject and practice object
  • In the hall it is the subject that begins; in rehearsal it is the passage repeatedly practiced.