Introduction

Introduction (Ital. introduzione), in Music, is a kind of preface or prelude to a following movement. Formerly the introduction was only to be found in large musical works, such as symphonies, overtures, oratorios, &c.; but now it is found in every rondo, fantasia, polonaise, waltz, &c., on the principle that it is considered abrupt to begin all at once, without preparing the audience for what is to come. In earlier operas introduction is applied to the piece of music with which they begin, and which immediately follows the overture. In some cases the overture and introduction are united, the composition going on without any formal pause, as in Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride, Mozart's Idomeneo and Don Giovanni. Overtures themselves are frequently commenced by an introduction, as in Beethoven's Egmont and Leonora, Nos. 2 and 3, and Weber's Frcischütz and Obéron overtures. The majority of Wagner's operas commence with an introduction (Vorspiel or Einleitung), a short one being also prefaced to the second and third acts. The introductions are also important and characteristic parts of several of the symphonies of Beethoven and Schumann.