vorspiel

[fawr-shpeel, fohr-]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vorspiel¹

< German, equivalent to vor- pre-, fore ¹ + Spiel game, play

Example Sentences

Rachmaninoff’s “The Isle of the Dead” comes off as a colossal masterpiece; Schoenberg’s “Gurrelieder” is given expansive treatment, a Klimt glittering blindingly; Schreker’s “Vorspiel zu einem Drama” has never sounded so glorious.

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Similar to the oceanic crescendo that runs through Wagner’s Vorspiel to “Das Rheingold,” this bass is felt before it’s heard, the downbeat swooning to fill a space, tuned to its own harmonic center.

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

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The vorspiel to the piker's threnody.

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He chose a baton from the rack and began a careful, orthodox Vorspiel.

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