Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun In music, a prelude or overture.
Etymologies
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Examples
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The vorspiel is a vivid delineation of mediæval German life, full of festive pomp, stirring action, glowing passion, and exuberant humor.
The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers 1876
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The first of these motives is of the same general character as the Grail motive in the "Lohengrin" vorspiel; the second is an impressive phrase for trumpets and trombones, which will be heard again when the Knights of the Grail are summoned to their duties; and the third is a broad, dignified melody in the chorale form.
The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers 1876
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The vorspiel to the drama is based upon a single motive, which is worked up with consummate skill into various melodic forms, and frequently appears throughout the work.
The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers 1876
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The vorspiel is based upon three motives connected with the mystery of the Grail, which forms the key-note of the opera, though in a different aspect from that which the Grail assumes in "Lohengrin," where it can only be visible to the eye of faith, while in "Parsifal" it distinctly performs its wonders.
The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers 1876
she commented on the word vorspiel
Prelude; overture. (German vor, before + spiel.)
August 11, 2008
frindley commented on the word vorspiel
Or perhaps, if one wanted to be both perversely and erroneously literal, "foreplay"
August 11, 2008