Divertimento

Divertimento is a musical term of Italian origin meaning "amusement" or "entertainment." It designates a light, entertaining instrumental work intended for leisure rather than formal concert performance. In the Classical period, divertimenti were typically written for small ensembles and used as salon or courtly entertainment.

Originating in the mid-18th century, the divertimento functioned as versatile instrumental music for informal settings. The works are usually multi-movement, commonly three to eight movements, and exhibit the bright, accessible style of the galant era: catchy melodies, clear textures, and varied rhythms. They were often lighter in character than symphonies or serious chamber music. Instrumentation varied from string trios or quartets with continuo to small wind or mixed ensembles. While the term signals mood rather than a fixed form, many divertimenti resemble serenades or light entertainments.

Notable composers associated with divertimenti include Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Luigi Boccherini. Haydn, in particular, produced a large body of string divertimenti and other light formal works; Mozart wrote several divertimenti for strings and winds; Boccherini also contributed numerous instrumental divertimenti. In practice, the boundary between divertimento, serenade, and other light genres was fluid.

By the late 18th century the term fell from regular use as concert music evolved. In modern usage, divertimento may appear in program notes or titles to evoke a classical, light-hearted character, though it is mainly of historical interest.