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It began in the sixteenth century as a light-hearted or comic interlude between parts of something larger and more dramatic or tragic. It could be musical, or a short comic play. From this, the comic opera, that popular art form that would be immortalised by the Strausses, [[Offenbach]] and [[Gilbert and Sullivan]] would grow. Short instrumental, orchestral or vocal acts, or even ballet scenes, were still performed between parts of larger works.

It began in the sixteenth century as a light-hearted or comic interlude between parts of something larger and more dramatic or tragic. It could be musical, or a short comic play. From this, the comic opera, that popular art form that would be immortalised by the Strausses, [[Offenbach]] and [[Gilbert and Sullivan]] would grow. Short instrumental, orchestral or vocal acts, or even ballet scenes, were still performed between parts of larger works.

The most famous theatrical ''intermezzo'' is in [[ Pietro Mascagni]]’s one act [[opera]] ''Cavalleria Rusticana'' and serves to signify the passage of time, whilst maintaining the dramatic tension.

The most famous theatrical ''intermezzo'' is in [[Pietro Mascagni]]’s one act [[opera]] ''Cavalleria Rusticana'' and serves to signify the passage of time, whilst maintaining the dramatic tension.

In 18th century Germany, an ''intermezzo'' began to appear amid the formal dance movements in a [[Suite]], usually between the last two movements and in the 19th, composers such as [[Mendelssohn]] and [[Brahms]] used the term for movements within chamber works.

In 18th century Germany, an ''intermezzo'' began to appear amid the formal dance movements in a [[Suite]], usually between the last two movements and in the 19th, composers such as [[Mendelssohn]] and [[Brahms]] used the term for movements within chamber works.

''Intermezzo'' is the name of an opera by [[Richard Strauss]].

''Intermezzo'' is the name of an opera by [[Richard Strauss]].

[[Category: Musical terms]]

[[Category:Musical terms]]