Western Prelude Three Important Stage

The aim of this dissertation is Prelude, which is categorized from its origination to the present time as the following forms:Prelude with complete 24 tones, Prelude with incomplete 24 tones, Prelude with headings, Prelude in the form of two movements, and other forms of Prelude. Furthermore, each form of Prelude is analyzed and concluded in this dissertation.The whole dissertation contains three parts. In the first part, the definition of Piano Prelude and the brief introduction of this type of literature are expatiated. The researching point of the dissertation, classification of Piano Prelude is discussed. In the second part, the important part of Piano Prelude in Piano solo system is analyzed by the category of Prelude with complete 24 tones, Prelude with incomplete 24 tones, Prelude with headings, Prelude in the form of two movements, and other forms of Prelude. In the third part, Prelude as a type of literature is concluded. The main reason which affects the development of Prelude is the changes in the function of music and the evolution of ideas in creation. In this part, it is also concluded that the change of Prelude is parallel with the development of musical history.By discussing the development and evolution of Prelude, on one hand, the dissertation point out the complicated long history of Prelude development. On the other hand, the dissertation also point out the reason why this type of literature comes down in a continuous line during the centuries of development.