1. a short musical composition played between the acts of an opera or drama
Usage: music
2. a short independent musical composition, especially for piano
Usage: music
3. an intervening episode or period; an interlude
Usage: formal

Examples

• The orchestra performed a beautiful intermezzo between the second and third acts.
• Brahms composed several intermezzos for solo piano.
• The comedy show featured a musical intermezzo to give the actors time to change costumes.
• After years of teaching, she took an intermezzo to travel the world.
• The intermezzo provided a peaceful contrast to the dramatic scenes.
• His piano recital included three Brahms intermezzos.
• The brief intermezzo allowed the audience to reflect on the first half of the performance.