entrelude

Entrelude is a musical and theatrical term for a short piece performed between two larger sections, such as acts, scenes, or set pieces, serving as a transitional or atmospheric bridge.

The word derives from the French entrelude, meaning between-lude or between-play, and has been used in English mainly in historical contexts. Entreludes may be instrumental, vocal, or a combination, and often feature motifs that link the preceding and following sections or establish a mood for what comes next.

In practice, entreludes were common in Baroque and early Classical opera and theater to smooth transitions during scene changes or in preparation for an entr'acte, the intermission music between acts. Over time, the term has overlapped with interlude, entr'acte, and intermezzo, with usage varying by edition and composer.

Today, entreludes are relatively obscure in everyday discourse and are primarily discussed in historical or scholarly contexts. In some scores and programs, transitional pieces may be labeled entreludes to emphasize their bridging function rather than as standalone numbers.

See also interlude, entr'acte, intermezzo, and intermission.