overture
Orchestral scene-setter
An overture is an opening move or proposal, especially one intended to initiate negotiations or a relationship: diplomatic overtures, romantic overtures, The company made overtures to potential investors.
In music, an overture is an orchestral piece introducing an opera, ballet, or musical—or a standalone concert work in that style.
Both senses share the idea of something that comes before and leads into what follows.
Introductory piece or event
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- openingGap or start
- curtain-raiserPreliminary theatrical performance
- prologueIntroductory literary section
intermezzo · orchestration · score · opera · symphony · concerto · sonata · theme
Large instrumental ensemble
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- stringsThin flexible lines
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- woodwindsInstruments played by blowing
percussion · score · arrangement · instrumentation · medley · variation · transcription · accompaniment
Formal plan for consideration
- approachWay of handling something
- advanceMove or progress forward
- offerProposal to provide
- gestureCommunicative body movement
initiative · proposition · bid · invitation · entreaty · solicitation · olive-branch · negotiation
prelude
Introductory piece or event
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- openingGap or start
- curtain-raiserPreliminary theatrical performance
prologue · intermezzo · orchestration · score · opera · symphony · concerto · sonata · theme · motif
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
woodwinds · percussion · score · arrangement · instrumentation · medley · variation · transcription · accompaniment · tempo
proposal
Formal plan for consideration
gesture · initiative · proposition · bid · invitation · entreaty · solicitation · olive-branch · negotiation · rapprochement
- openersbottle opener, can opener, corkscrew, church key, churchkey
- Overturesprelude, sinfonia
- Baroque OperaHandel, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, castrato, recitative
- Baroque Suitesallemande, sarabande, gigue, bourree, gavotte
- opera partsaria, libretto, recitative, duet, trio
- musicmusic, song, songs, singing, singer
overturefinale
Concluding part of performance
coda · closing number · epilogue · postlude · reprise
- romantic overtureEarly attempt to attract
- 1812 OvertureCommemorative orchestral battle composition
- overturned verdictCourt ruling nullified
- William Tell OvertureRossini's operatic introduction
- overturned truckFreight vehicle on its side
- overturned carsInverted vehicles after crashes