French overture

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The French overture is a musical form widely used in the Baroque period. It is in three parts: the first is slow, often with over-dotted (i.e. exaggerated dotted rhythms, not strict double-dotting), the second is quick and fugal, and the first part returns at the end.

When written for orchestra, the French overture is often scored with trumpets and timpani, and aims at grandeur. The form was thus highly suited to an era in which all orchestras were employed by royalty or other aristocracy.

The name is acknowledgement of the importance of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the French baroque composer, in developing the form. He often used it to open his operas (tragédies en musique). Later examples can be found as the opening movement of each of Johann Sebastian Bach's orchestral suites, 4th partita, C minor cello suite and as an opening to many oratorios by George Frideric Handel (including Messiah). The 16th of Bach's Goldberg Variations is a French overture in miniature.

The French overture should not be confused with the Italian overture, a three-part quick-slow-quick structure.

Media

Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - 1. Ouverture Composed byJean-Baptiste Lully, performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra Suite 2 - 1. Ouverture Composed by Georg Muffat, performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra Cello Suite 5, BWV 1011 - 1. Prelude Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed on a viola by Elias Goldstein Messiah - 1. Overture Composed by George Frideric Handel, performed by the MIT Concert Orchestra Concert Suite in D major for Orchestra and Viola da Gamba - TWV55:D6 - 1. Overture Composed by Georg Philipp Telemann, performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra with cellist Stephen Balderston

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