Prolusion

n.

1.

A trial before the principal performance; a prelude; hence, an introductory essay or exercise. Her presence was in some measure a restraint on the worthy divine, whose prolusion lasted. - Sir W. Scott.

Noun	1.	prolusion - a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book Synonyms: foreword, preface
	2.	prolusion - exercising in preparation for strenuous activity Synonyms: tune-up, warm-up

foreword, introduction, preface, text, textual matter