imitative counterpoint

A contrapuntal technique in which each voice successively enters with the same or similar melodic idea before combining freely. Pachelbel's characteristic method of composing the accompanying voices in chorale preludes, deriving their motives from the opening of the chorale melody.

In Pachelbel's chorale preludes, the imitative entries before the cantus firmus enters are fore-imitations — each voice anticipates the chorale tune in shorter note values. These entries should be shaped as melodic lines in their own right, not merely preparatory filler. Bring out each entry clearly so the listener hears the gradual accumulation before the full chorale arrives.