Vorbereiten

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a part during rests, naming what to prepare (“Gr. Flöte vorbereiten”), some bars before the new instrument, mute or stick is needed. It is advance warning only; the change itself is marked where the playing begins.

How Composers Use It

Vorbereiten gives a player time to switch instruments, fit a mute or change sticks without panic. Place it as early as the rests allow and name the item, then mark the change again where it takes effect (nimmt, mit Dämpfer). A doubling player reading only a part depends on these cues, since nothing else warns of the change.

Example

Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 in B minor (“Pathétique”), first movement, piccolo, m. 76: “Große Flöte” and “vorbereiten” — get the flute ready; the edition repeats “Gr. Flöte vorbereiten” at m. 269.

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