vorspiel

[fawr-shpeel, fohr-]

noun

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

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 of vorspiel

This Vorspiel, like that to "Lohengrin," is short and delicate.
Contemporary American Composers
Rupert Hughes
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
From the opening phrase of the Vorspiel Forbes became a Wagnerian.
What Will People Say?
Rupert Hughes
This "Valkyr" Vorspiel is a masterly representation in tone of a storm gathering for its last infuriated onslaught.
The Complete Opera Book
Gustav Kobb