intermezzo

American  

[in-ter-met-soh, -med-zoh] / ˌɪn tərˈmɛt soʊ, -ˈmɛd zoʊ /

noun

plural

intermezzos, intermezzi

1. a short dramatic, musical, or other entertainment of light character, introduced between the acts of a drama or opera.

2. a short musical composition between main divisions of an extended musical work.

3. a short, independent musical composition.

---

intermezzo British  

/ ˌɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ /

noun

1. a short piece of instrumental music composed for performance between the acts or scenes of an opera, drama, etc

2. an instrumental piece either inserted between two longer movements in an extended composition or intended for independent performance

3. another name for interlude

---

Etymology

Origin of intermezzo

1805–15; < Italian < Late Latin intermedium; intermediary

Example Sentences

“We like drama here,” a server tells us as she pours liquid nitrogen around an intermezzo: a sparkling granita flavored with yuzu and fennel and framed for a few seconds in fog.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2020

Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2018

Mr. Lang had the piano to himself for a milky Manuel Ponce intermezzo and one of Ernesto Lecuona’s feisty “Danzas Afro-Cubanas.”

From New York Times • May 6, 2016

It is impossible to watch round 13 without the hauntingly beautiful intermezzo from Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana providing subconscious backing music.

From The Guardian • Feb. 8, 2016

We had a really good laugh at this little intermezzo.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank