What does overture mean?
An overture is an opening, especially an introductory piece of music performed before an opera, musical, or similar work. The term can also refer to a preliminary gesture, proposal, or attempt to begin communication, as in making overtures toward peace or offering an overture to negotiate. In music, the overture establishes the work's mood and dramatic atmosphere before the main action begins, and it may be a substantial composition in its own right. In general usage, the word often suggests a careful or tentative first move whose success is not assured. Overture is especially useful when the opening has social or formal significance, distinguishing it from a simple introduction. The word is common in British and American English and remains associated with both orchestral performance and diplomatic language.
nounAn overture is an introductory musical composition, especially the orchestral piece that precedes the main action of an opera, operetta, or musical. More generally, it means an opening proposal, gesture, or attempt to begin a relationship or discussion.
- An orchestral or instrumental composition that introduces a larger musical work, especially an opera.
- The introductory or opening portion of a performance, presentation, or event.
- An opening proposal, gesture, or attempt to establish communication or begin a negotiation.
"The orchestra played the overture as the curtain rose on the new production."
"The concert began with a lively overture that set the mood for the evening."
"Her overture to the other committee members was conciliatory but carefully guarded."
The regular plural is overtures.
"The ambassador made several overtures toward reducing tensions."
An overture is both the musical introduction that launches a performance and the opening move that can launch a negotiation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overture come from?
The word comes through French overture, meaning an opening, from Latin apertura, an opening or entrance, ultimately from aperire, to open. The musical sense developed from the idea of an introductory performance that opens a larger work. Latin aperire is also the source of words such as aperture and aperitif, and it is historically related to English open.
How overture is actually used
The musical sense is neutral and common in both British and American English. In its broader sense, overture is formal and often literary, suggesting an opening move intended to test interest, establish relations, or begin negotiations.
Easily confused with overture
An overture is an introduction or opening proposal, whereas an adventure is an unusual experience or undertaking.