intermezzo

US /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈmet.soʊ/
UK /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈmet.soʊ/
"intermezzo" picture
1.

a short connecting instrumental movement in an opera or other musical work

:
The opera featured a beautiful intermezzo between acts.
The composer wrote a short intermezzo for piano.
2.

a short, light dramatic or musical composition inserted between the acts of a play or opera

:
The comedic intermezzo provided a lighthearted break from the tragedy.
The play included a charming intermezzo with singing and dancing.
3.

an intervening period of time; an interval

:
Their conversation was marked by a brief intermezzo of silence.
The rain provided a welcome intermezzo to the hot summer day.