overture
/ˈoʊvɝtʃɝ/
an orchestral introduction to an opera or musical work
overture in a sentence
“The overture previewed the opera's main themes.”
Origin of overture
French ouverture opening, from Latin apertura
Related Words
coda
a concluding passage bringing a piece to an end
cadenza
a virtuosic solo passage near the end of a movement
requiem
a mass for the dead or a musical setting of it
nocturne
a dreamy, romantic composition suggesting night
symphony
an extended orchestral composition in multiple movements
concerto
a composition for solo instrument and orchestra