Erststück

Erststück is a German noun meaning “the first piece” or “the opening work.” Etymologically, it combines erst meaning “first” with Stück meaning “piece” or “work.” The term is descriptive and is used in contexts where items are presented in sequence or discussed in a series.

In musical and theater contexts, Erststück often designates the opening item of a program or programmatic sequence. It is a straightforward label used by critics, organizers, or program notes to indicate the first work performed or listed. However, this usage is relatively uncommon in modern practice; more typical terms for the first item are Eröffnungsstück or Eröffnungswerk. The exact choice of wording can vary by institution and author and is not a strictly defined technical category.

In art history or literary discussions, Erststück may appear occasionally to refer to an artist’s or author’s earliest known work. This usage is more of a descriptive note than a formal term; scholars more frequently use Frühwerk, Früheres Werk, or das früheste bekannte Werk to designate an early piece in an oeuvre.

Overall, Erststück functions as a generic descriptor rather than a specialized technical term. Its meaning depends on context and is influenced by stylistic preferences of writers, critics, and organizers. In contemporary usage, if a precise label for an opening piece is desired, writers typically opt for terms such as Eröffnung, Eröffnungsstück, or simply “opening piece.”