Why is Tchaikovshys 1812 Overture called an overture?
While it is true that an overture is often an introductory piece to a larger musical work, it is not always. It can also be a similar work especially with a theme or program (a “programmatic”) piece that is an independent work with no further significance and no introductory character. In fact, I believe the 1812 Overture was that latter sort of work. It was not the introduction to anything and was meant as an independent work with its theme or program that of Russian Nationalism. You might note in fact, that early symphonies were often called overtures. “Music. An orchestral piece of varying form and dimensions, forming the opening or introduction to an opera, oratorio, or other extended composition, and often containing themes from the body of the work or otherwise indicating the character of it. Also: a similar orchestral piece, usually of descriptive or programmatic character, intended for independent performance; = concert overture “The term originally (in the 17th cent.) denoted
