vorspiel

[ fawr-shpeel, fohr- ]

/ ˈfɔr ʃpil, ˈfoʊr- /

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an introductory movement to a musical work, especially a prelude or overture.

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Question 1 of 12

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

<German, equivalent to vor- pre-, fore¹ + Spiel game, play

The Vorspiel of "Siegfried" is expressive of Mime's planning and plotting.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb
In the early portion of this vorspiel only the string instruments are used.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb
This "Valkyr" Vorspiel is a masterly representation in tone of a storm gathering for its last infuriated onslaught.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb
Through themes which are familiar from earlier portions of the work, the Vorspiel rises to a crashing fortissimo.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb

Then to the sombre, questioning phrase of the Motive of Fate, the action begins to disclose the significance of this Vorspiel.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb