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Vorspiel

prelude

noun FOR-shpeel Rare
Arts & Culture Music

Also means

overture; audition performance

Usage Note

Vorspiel has two main senses in music: (1) a prelude or introductory piece, and (2) an audition, where a student spielt vor (plays before a jury). Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Examples

"Das Vorspiel zur Oper dauerte nur drei Minuten."

Natural Translation

The prelude to the opera lasted only three minutes.

Literal Translation

The prelude to the opera lasted only three minutes.

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