noun
overture
An orchestral piece introducing an opera or other musical work.
The orchestra plays the overture before the opera's curtain rises.
Etymology
The French word means opening. The orchestral piece opens the larger performance, preparing listeners for the opera or other work that follows.
In context
in the style of an opera overture so the sort of an a big introductory piece and then here come the dances and that whole thing will be called an overture
More examples
- The overture introduces melodies that return throughout the musical.
- Tonight's concert features overtures from three famous operas.
- The conductor rehearses the overture while the singers rest.
Forms
overture · overtures
Similar words
- prelude
- An introductory piece that need not involve a full orchestra.
- introduction
- Any opening musical section, not necessarily a separate orchestral piece.