An overture in music is an introductory piece that sets the stage for a larger work, often a opera or ballet. It typically features themes or motifs that will be developed throughout the performance, providing listeners with a preview of the music to come. 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 William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini and the Overture to The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. These pieces are celebrated for their melodic richness and dramatic flair.