intermezzo

/ˌɪntərˈmɛtsoʊ/
noun
  1. A short, light piece of music played between the main sections of a longer work, such as an opera or symphony.
    • The orchestra played a beautiful intermezzo between the two acts of the opera.
    • The composer wrote a lively intermezzo to give the audience a moment of relief.
    • During the concert, the pianist performed a gentle intermezzo as a break from the loud symphonies.
  2. A short, entertaining performance or event that happens between parts of a longer show or activity.
    • After the long speeches, the conference had a musical intermezzo to lighten the mood.
    • The festival featured a dance intermezzo between the storytelling sessions.
    • The school play included a funny intermezzo with jugglers during the scene change.
  3. A brief, intermediate period of time between two events or phases.
    • Their summer vacation was a happy intermezzo in a year full of hard work.
    • The quiet afternoon served as a calm intermezzo between the busy morning and evening.
    • The peace treaty was just a short intermezzo before the war resumed.