Intermezzo
“Intermezzo” is a musical term that refers to a short piece of music performed between larger parts of a musical work, such as between acts of an opera or between movements of a symphony. The term “Intermezzo” can also refer to a type of opera or stage play that is shorter and less serious than a full-length production. Intermezzos are typically light-hearted and often involve comedy or satire. In literature, “Intermezzo” can also refer to a short section or chapter within a larger work that serves as a break or interruption from the main narrative, often focusing on a different character or theme. Overall, the term “Intermezzo” is used in various fields to refer to a short, often entertaining or diverting, break from a larger work or narrative.
Intermezzo can be created by various artists, depending on the context. In music, intermezzos are often composed by the same composer as the larger work in which they are included, such as an opera or a symphony. However, they can also be composed by a different composer, especially in the case of independent intermezzos that are not part of a larger work.
In theater and literature, intermezzos can be written by the playwright or author, or they can be adapted from existing works. For example, a play may include a musical intermezzo composed by a different musician or based on an existing song.
Ultimately, the creation of an intermezzo depends on the artist and the specific context in which it is being used.
Giorgio Strehler
Giorgio Strehler was an Italian theater director, actor, and playwright who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th century European theater. He is known for his innovative productions, which often incorporated music, dance, and visual elements to create a rich and immersive theatrical experience.
Strehler was particularly known for his use of intermezzo in his productions. He believed that intermezzos, or short interludes between scenes, were an important part of the theater experience,
allowing the audience time to reflect on what they had just seen and prepare for what was to come.
Strehler’s intermezzos often featured music, dance, or other forms of performance art, and were designed to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. He saw intermezzos as a way to deepen the audience’s engagement with the performance and create a more immersive and transformative experience.
One of Strehler’s most famous intermezzos was the “Dance of the Hours” from his production of “La Gioconda” at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano in 1960. The intermezzo featured dancers dressed as animals, including hippos, elephants, and ostriches, and was a playful and surreal counterpoint to the opera’s tragic plot.
Overall, Strehler’s use of intermezzo was a key part of his artistic vision, and helped to revolutionize the way that theater was performed and experienced in the 20th century.
