concert overture

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.An opening or aperture; a recess; a chamber. [Obs.] --Spenser. "The cave's inmost overture." --Chapman. [1913 Webster]

2.Disclosure; discovery; revelation. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

It was he That made the overture of thy treasons to us.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.A proposal; an offer; a proposition formally submitted for consideration, acceptance, or rejection. "The great overture of the gospel." --Barrow. [1913 Webster]

4.(Mus.) A composition, for a full orchestra, designed as an introduction to an oratorio, opera, or ballet, or as an independent piece; -- called in the latter case a concert overture. [1913 Webster]