overture

• Orchestermusik, die eine Oper oder ein Oratorium einleitet, oder ein einleitender Schritt bzw. Vorschlag, der ein Gespräch oder eine Zusammenarbeit in Gang bringen soll.

A noun referring to an orchestral piece that introduces an opera or oratorio, or a preliminary action or proposal intended to initiate discussion or interaction.

1. Musical introductionB2formalart

   An orchestral composition played at the beginning of an opera, oratorio, or other large musical work, often introducing its main themes.

   Ouvertüre

   • The orchestra played the overture to 'The Marriage of Figaro'.
   • The audience applauded after the dramatic overture ended.
   • The overture set the mood for the entire opera.

   Synonymeintroductionprelude

2. Preliminary eventC1formal

   An action or event that serves as an introduction or leads up to something more important.

   Vorspiel

   • The ceasefire was an overture to the peace negotiations.
   • The first meeting was an overture to a long collaboration.
   • The small skirmishes were overtures to the larger conflict.

   Synonymecurtain raiserforerunnerintroductionlead-inopeningprecursorprefacepreliminarypreludeprologue

3. Tentative proposalC1formal

   A suggestion or approach made to someone to test their reaction or to begin a discussion.

   Vorstoß

   • He made an overture of friendship to his new neighbor.
   • The company's overture to merge was rejected.
   • She ignored his romantic overtures.

   Synonymeadvanceapproachbidfeelerinitiativeofferopeningproposalpropositionsuggestion