Definition of finale

The word "finale" comes from the Italian language. In Italian, "finale" means "final" or "last". In the context of music, the finale refers to the last movement or section of a musical composition, such as a symphony or opera. The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the final part of a musical work, and it has since been adopted into many other languages, including English. In its earliest uses, the finale was often the most dramatic or climactic part of the piece, setting the final scene or tone for the performance. Over time, the term has expanded to include the last part of any performance or event, such as a theatrical play or a sports game. Today, the word "finale" is commonly used to describe the final act of a story, the conclusion of a project, or the last event of a series.