prelude (n.)
"Introductory performance; a preliminary to an action event or work" (1560s), from French prélude "notes sung or played to test the voice or instrument" (1530s), from Medieval Latin preludium "prelude, preliminary," from Latin praeludere "to play beforehand for practice, preface," from prae- "before" + ludere "to play".
Ladies and gentlemen,
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