intermedio

Intermedio is a term used in several Romance languages, notably Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, derived from Latin intermedius, meaning something made of or situated between two parts. It commonly conveys the sense of being between stages or of an intermediate degree, and in everyday usage can translate as “intermediate” or “intermission.”

In the performing arts, the intermedio historically referred to a musical and theatrical interlude performed between acts of a play or opera, especially in 16th- and 17th-century Italy. These interludes often featured music, dance, and elaborate scenery or effects and served to bridge scenes or to showcase artists. The practice contributed to the evolution of the intermezzo, a related musical form that later influenced the development of opera buffa and other lighter theatrical genres.

In music, intermedio denotes a short interlude or ensemble inserted between acts or scenes of a larger work. Some intermedii were independent pieces that could stand alone, while others were integrated into the dramatic structure of the production. The concept helped pave the way for more specialized forms of interlude music in European theatrical history.

Contemporary uses include media and education. El Intermedio is a Spanish late-night satirical television program broadcast on LaSexta, known for political and social commentary. In education, intermedio is used to describe an intermediate level or course, such as “nivel intermedio” in language studies or curricula labeled as intermediate.