kapellmeister
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kapellmeister
The musical director or conductor of an orchestra or choir. The term is often used in historical contexts for musicians at courts or in churches, but also still today for leaders of certain ensembles.
Johann Sebastian Bach war ein berühmter Kapellmeister in Leipzig.
Johann Sebastian Bach was a famous kapellmeister in Leipzig.
The word is made up of 'die Kapelle' (chapel/band) and 'der Meister' (master). Besides a small church, 'Kapelle' can also refer to a small orchestra. So the 'Kapellmeister' is the 'master of the orchestra'.
Der junge Musiker träumte davon, eines Tages Kapellmeister zu werden.
The young musician dreamed of becoming a kapellmeister one day.
The term is very often used in connection with European music history, especially the Baroque and Classical periods. It describes the position of composers who were employed at courts or in large churches.
Joseph Haydn war lange Zeit als Kapellmeister am Hof der Familie Esterházy tätig.
Joseph Haydn worked for a long time as kapellmeister at the court of the Esterházy family.
You often find the term in compounds that describe the workplace more precisely, for example 'Hofkapellmeister' (at the court of a noble) or 'Domkapellmeister' (at a city's cathedral).
Die Stelle des Domkapellmeisters in Köln ist sehr angesehen.
The position of cathedral kapellmeister in Cologne is highly respected.
conductor
'der Dirigent' and 'der Kapellmeister' can both refer to the musical director of an orchestra or choir. 'Dirigent' is the normal and general term today. 'Kapellmeister' sounds more specific and often somewhat more traditional or historical, for example with old court orchestras, church music, or certain ensembles. The words can be confused because a kapellmeister can indeed conduct. When speaking neutrally about a modern concert, 'Dirigent' is usually more natural. 'Kapellmeister' fits when the tradition or a particular type of ensemble is important.
Der Kapellmeister leitete früher die Musik am Hof des Fürsten.
The kapellmeister used to direct the music at the prince's court.
Morgen probt der Dirigent mit dem Orchester für das Sommerkonzert.
Tomorrow the conductor is rehearsing with the orchestra for the summer concert.