Kapellmeister

American  

[kah-pel-mahy-ster, kuh-] / kɑˈpɛlˌmaɪ stər, kə- /

noun

plural

Kapellmeister

1. a choirmaster.

2. a conductor of an orchestra.

3. a bandmaster.

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kapellmeister British  

/ kæˈpɛlˌmaɪstə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of capellmeister

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Etymology

Origin of Kapellmeister

From German, dating back to 1830–40; chapel, master

Explanation

A kapellmeister is the conductor of a musical group, especially a choir or a small orchestra. Historically, a kapellmeister programmed music for monarchs or cathedrals. In German, Kapellmeister means "chapel master," or "master of the chapel choir." Starting in the early 16th century, German kapellmeisters programmed music for nobles and aristocrats, which was usually played in churches and cathedrals. Many famous composers, including Joseph Haydn, worked as kapellmeisters. Today, the term usually refers to a music director for a church or theater.

Example Sentences

Amid these miscellaneous worthies, resting beneath a noble but unpretentious obelisk, is the composer Antonio Salieri, Kapellmeister to the emperor of Austria.

From The New Yorker • May 27, 2019

The once untouchable Kapellmeister began to suffer the kinds of reverses to which other composers had long been accustomed: the only opera that he completed in the four years after Joseph’s death went unperformed.

From The New Yorker • May 27, 2019

I know that in the English-speaking world, the word Kapellmeister has not a good sound: boring, uninspired conducting.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2018

I have my own point of view, but yes, I think the traditional Kapellmeister tradition has been good for Bayreuth.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2018

How're you s’posed to say Kapellmeister if you can't say Kapellmeister?

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell