Kapellmeister (pronounce [kəˈpɛlˌmaɪstər]) is a German word designating a person in charge of music-making. The word is a compound, consisting of the roots Kapelle (choir; orchestra) and Meister (master). Kapelle in turn comes from the Latin word for "chapel", which was typically the center of musical activity during the Middle Ages. Thus, originally, the word was used to refer to somebody in charge of music in a chapel. However, the term has evolved considerably in its meaning in response to changes in the musical profession.