What is a typical characteristic of the French overture?

The typical characteristic of the French overture is that it features a slow, homophonic section that contrasts with a faster-moving, imitative section. In a classic French overture, the initial slow section is marked by a grand, stately character, often featuring dotted rhythms, which provides a sense of dignity and formality. This is followed by a lively, faster section that is usually more intricate and features counterpoint, where voices enter one after the other in a manner typical of imitative textures. This structure not only sets the mood and formality at the beginning of a courtly or ceremonial performance but also showcases the composer's skill in contrasting different musical styles within one piece.

The other options reflect different attributes that do not capture the essence of the French overture. For example, while a fast polyphonic section does exist in the overture, it doesn't emphasize the structural contrast that defines this genre. A single melodic line does not provide the depth typically found in a French overture, which is characterized by its multi-voiced interplay in the latter section. Lastly, although a rhythmic, dance-like quality might appear in some faster sections, it is not a defining feature of the overture as a whole, especially as it overlooks the important