An overture in music is an introductory piece that sets the stage for a larger work, often a musical, opera, or orchestral suite. It typically features themes or motifs that will be developed later in the performance, providing listeners with a preview of what to expect. Overtures can be instrumental or include vocal elements, depending on the context. Historically, overtures were used to signal the beginning of a performance and to capture the audience's attention. Famous examples include the Overture to The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Overture to 1812 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, both showcasing the dramatic and thematic elements of their respective works.