The overture is scored for two flutes (II Piccolo), two oboes (II English horn), two clarinets in A, two bassoons, two horns in F, two trumpets, three trombones, one tuba, timpani, three percussion (triangle, antique cymbals, glockenspiel, snare drum, tambourine, cymbals, bass drum, and tam tam), celesta, harp, and strings.
The beginning of the overture captures the orchestral sounds of the introduction of Pines of Rome, though with new melodies, simultaneously citing elements of Respighi's Rossiniana.
Through fanfares, the music leads to a variation of the March from La Boutique fantasque.
A brief sarabande styled interlude is given, inspired from the Valse Lente movement of La Boutique fantasque.
The final section involves a tarantella dance in the style of Rossini, which ends with a rocket crescendo.