What does postlude mean?
A postlude is a concluding piece, section, or movement, especially in music. It commonly refers to an instrumental passage that follows the main sections of a suite, concerto, or other extended composition, and it may create a reflective or celebratory final atmosphere. The word can also be used more broadly for the concluding part of a dramatic, ceremonial, or artistic event, though this usage is less frequent than the musical sense. Compared with a finale, which often marks the climax or final performance, a postlude is usually a coda-like section that brings the work to a close. It contrasts with a prelude, the opening section, and is related in form and meaning to other musical terms ending in “-lude.”
A musical piece or section performed at the end of a larger composition or performance.
"The organ postlude filled the church with a soft, sustained chord."
Most often used for a closing musical movement following the principal sections of a work.
A concluding section or passage of a broader artistic, dramatic, ceremonial, or narrative work.
"The final act serves as a postlude to the trilogy."
This is a less common, figurative extension of the primarily musical meaning.
Used when referring to more than one concluding musical piece or section.
"The program included brief postludes for piano and chamber ensemble."
A postlude is the musical opposite of an encore: it is the piece that sends the audience away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of postlude
The word was formed in English from the prefix post-, meaning “after,” and the element -lude, associated with Latin ludere, “to play.” It was modeled especially on the older musical term prelude, which refers to an introductory piece. The Latin root also underlies interludes, other musical terms and passages inserted between principal sections.
How postlude is actually used
The word is most common in music and is often used for a short closing piece played on an organ or by an ensemble. Its broader use for a concluding section is formal and less frequent.
Easily confused with postlude
A prelude comes before the main part of a composition or event, whereas a postlude comes after it.