An intermezzo is a musical composition that is defined more by how it is used or its intent than by its form. It is intended to serve as an interlude between two other compositions. Although most people associate the term with operas or plays, it can also refer to a purely instrumental piece. Intermezzi is the plural form of the word.
The Renaissance was the birthplace of intermezzi. Intermezzi were dramatic pieces performed between acts of plays during this time, especially at the Italian court. These intermezzi, which included solos, madrigals, and even dances, were extremely elaborate, and people came to see them regardless of the main work being performed. An intermezzo in the Renaissance was usually based on mythological, allegorical, or pastoral themes. This was common because composers wanted to contrast their work with the surrounding work, which was usually humorous.
Composers in the eighteenth century created sophisticated serious operas. As a result, the moods of the intermezzi shifted from serious to comedic, in contrast to the operas that surrounded them. The lighter intermezzi paved the way for opera buffa, or comedic opera, and this was significant.
Composers such as Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms began to see how an intermezzo could benefit instrumental performances in the mid-nineteenth century. They began writing intermezzi exclusively for instrumentalists after that. Because it made little sense to bring in an extra player or players just for the intermezzo, instrumentalists and directors frequently chose an intermezzo to perform based on the orchestration of the larger work. Modern directors are a little more lenient. Instrumentalists frequently arrive and depart a performance venue based on when they perform in the concert, especially when musicians are paid hourly, allowing players to be scheduled solely for intermezzi if desired.
Instrumental intermezzi were sometimes written as stand-alone pieces, but others were created as movements for larger instrumental works. When used as part of a larger composition, an instrumental intermezzo was usually quite melodic and lyrical. Instrumental intermezzi, on the other hand, were usually character pieces. They embodied a specific emotion that, in the intermezzi tradition, contrasted the mood of whatever music was playing around it.
New intermezzi are rarely written by contemporary composers, owing to the abundance of intermezzi music available. Composers frequently prefer to focus their efforts on larger, more substantial works. Additionally, the role of the intermission has shifted slightly: whereas previously, the expectation was for audience members to read programs, stretch, and completely leave the performance area to use the restroom, buy goods and concessions, and socialize, the modern expectation is for audience members to read programs, stretch, and completely leave the performance area to use the restroom, buy goods and concessions, and socialize.