Andreas Vollenweider (b. October 4, 1953) is a multi-instrumentalist from … Read Full Bio ↴Andreas Vollenweider (b. October 4, 1953) is a multi-instrumentalist from Switzerland who specialises in the harp.

His music, very dynamic and colorful, has been categorized as World Music, Jazz, New Age or even Classical; two of his albums were number 1 on the Billboard charts simultaneously in the categories Classical, Jazz, Pop and Crossover for many weeks. His primary instrument is an electrically modified harp of his own design, but he also plays a wide variety of instruments from around the world, including the Chinese guzheng. His albums feature many musicians performing his compositions with him, ranging from simple solos to suites for orchestra and soloists. His music is mostly instrumental but he has occasionally forayed into vocal music as well. Vollenweider's has been recording music since 1979, and throughout his career has released a total of 24 albums.

The Glass Hall — The Play of the Five Balls
Andreas Vollenweider Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Para sempre
Para sem
Para sempre
Para sem
Para sempre
Para sem
Para sempre
Para sem

Oh, ah
Ooh, ah
Oh, ah, ah
ah, ho oh
Ah
Ah ha ah
La, la la ,la la, la
La la la la la
Ah ha ha, ah la la, ih
Ah ha ha, ha ha
La la la la la, oh, oh

Ah oh, oh, oh ho, oh ho, la la la la la
Ah oh ho, la la la la la, oh, oh, oh ho

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Andreas Vollenweider's song The Glass Hall - The Play of the Five Balls are somewhat ambiguous and open to interpretation. However, the repeated phrase "Para sempre, para sem" (which translates as "forever, without") can be seen as representing the idea of eternity and the absence of something. The concept of the "five balls" in the title and throughout the song could be seen as representative of the five senses, with the glass hall being a metaphorical space in which experiences are created through these senses.

The lyrics, which consist mostly of non-verbal sounds and vocalizations, suggest a dream-like state or hypnotic trance. The repeated phrases and sounds create a sense of rhythm and flow, suggesting that the song is meant to be experienced as a whole rather than as a series of individual parts. The use of unconventional instruments such as the harp and the pan flute adds to the otherworldly and ethereal feel of the music.

Line by Line Meaning

Para sempre
Forever

Para sem
Without end

Oh, ah
Expressing wonder and awe

Ooh, ah
Experiencing a pleasant sensation

Oh, ah, ah
Feeling a sense of amazement and excitement

ah, ho oh
Expressing a mix of emotions such as surprise, delight, and joy

Ah
Expressing a sense of realization or understanding

Ah ha ah
Expressing a sense of discovery or insight

La, la la ,la la, la
Singing a simple, catchy tune

La la la la la
Continuing the melody, humming along

Ah ha ha, ah la la, ih
Laughing, chuckling, and singing, expressing pleasure and enjoyment