Overture (The Who song)

"Overture" is the opening instrumental track from The Who's 1969 rock opera Tommy. Composed by Pete Townshend, it serves as a musical introduction to the opera's themes and melodies, foreshadowing many of the key musical motifs that will appear throughout the album.

The track is primarily instrumental, featuring a driving, energetic performance from the band. It incorporates elements of hard rock, classical music, and even jazz influences, reflecting Townshend's diverse musical background. Prominent instrumentation includes Townshend's powerful guitar chords, John Entwistle's intricate bass lines, Keith Moon's dynamic drumming, and Roger Daltrey's occasional vocal ad-libs and harmonies.

"Overture" establishes the dramatic and epic tone of Tommy. The arrangement is meticulously crafted, building in intensity and complexity as it progresses. The track's use of recurring musical themes acts as a cohesive device, linking the disparate elements of the opera into a unified narrative. Its success as an opening piece lies in its ability to capture the listener's attention and prepare them for the story and music to follow.

The track has become a staple of The Who's live performances and is considered a classic example of progressive rock. Its influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists who followed in The Who's footsteps.