The "Prelude" was originally conceived as the opening music for a triptych, "The bud, the blossom and the berry". This idea was later abandoned and the opening music was scored for string orchestra to which it was intended to add a contrasting movement.

The "Prelude" was originally conceived as the opening music for a triptych, "The bud, the blossom and the berry". This idea was later abandoned and the opening music was scored for string orchestra to which it was intended to add a contrasting movement.