literally “sitting rehearsal”. The Sitzprobe is amongst the final rehearsals of an opera, and provides the singers and conductor with an opportunity to rehearse on stage, with the orchestra in the pit, but without scenery, costume, lighting and action. Chairs are usually spread along the front of the stage, on which the singers can sit if they choose. It is the conductor’s last real chance of pulling the musical performance into shape, without the distraction of all the other technical elements of final stage rehearsals. See also Learning and Rehearsing Opera.
