How Do You Spell WOZZECK?

Pronunciation: [wˈɒzɛk] (IPA)

The word "Wozzeck" is a common name in the German language, but its spelling can be confusing for non-native speakers. The correct pronunciation of this word is "vɔt͡sɛk" with an emphasis on the first syllable. The non-standard spelling is a result of the translation of the original German word "Wozzeck" into English. Despite the unique spelling, the correct pronunciation remains the same. It refers to a character from the German play "Woyzeck" written by Georg Büchner in the early 19th century.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

WOZZECK Meaning and Definition

  1. Wozzeck is a noun that refers to a famous opera composed by Alban Berg. The opera is based on a play by Georg Büchner and tells the tragic story of a poor soldier named Woyzeck (Wozzeck in the opera). The dictionary definition of Wozzeck typically refers to the opera itself but can also encompass its protagonist.

    In the context of the opera, Wozzeck is an emotionally complex and psychologically tormented character who becomes a victim of social oppression and psychological degradation. The story follows Wozzeck's descent into madness as he struggles to maintain his sanity while dealing with personal and societal pressures. The opera is renowned for its use of musical modernism and expressionism, and it explores themes of poverty, human exploitation, and the destructive effects of society on individual lives.

    Wozzeck, as a noun, can also refer to the opera's title itself. It is regarded as one of the most important and influential works of the 20th century, highlighting the avant-garde and atonal musical techniques of the time. The opera is known for its dramatic intensity, poignant storytelling, and innovative use of dissonance and fragmented melodies. Wozzeck has been performed worldwide and remains a significant milestone in the development of modern opera, often considered a masterpiece of the genre.

Common Misspellings for WOZZECK

Etymology of WOZZECK

The word "Wozzeck" is a name that derives from the title character of the play "Woyzeck" by the German writer Georg Büchner. Büchner wrote the play in the 1830s, but it remained unfinished and was first published and performed posthumously in the late 19th century.

The origins of the name "Woyzeck" are unclear, but it is thought to be a variant of the Polish surname "Wojski" or "Vojsk", which means "warrior" or "soldier" in Polish. Büchner may have been inspired by a real-life figure named Johann Christian Woyzeck, a soldier who was executed for murder in Leipzig in 1824. However, it is important to note that Büchner's play is a work of fiction and not directly based on this specific historical event.