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vorspiel

[fawr-shpeel, fohr-]
noun
  1. an introductory movement to a musical work, especially a prelude or overture.
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Origin of vorspiel

< German, equivalent to vor- pre-, fore1 + Spiel game, play
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for vorspiel

Historical Examples

  • This Vorspiel, like that to "Lohengrin," is short and delicate.

    Contemporary American Composers

    Rupert Hughes

  • In the early portion of this vorspiel only the string instruments are used.

  • The Vorspiel of "Siegfried" is expressive of Mime's planning and plotting.

  • From the opening phrase of the Vorspiel Forbes became a Wagnerian.

  • This "Valkyr" Vorspiel is a masterly representation in tone of a storm gathering for its last infuriated onslaught.