And while we’re at it: When the middle pieces of orchestral works are titled “intermezzo”, does it mean there they are less important than the main attraction? Why include them then and not just go directly to the next piece?
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The Prelude was so titled because it was a poetic rendering of Wordsworth’s own life from birth until he became a poet, or at least the poet he wanted to be. The next part of the series is called The Excursion. The third part did not get past the planning phase.
An intermezzo usually play a very important role in both music and theater. It is needed to bridge the gap between two main elements who can not stand next to each other for estetic reasons. The intermezzo will often be a very distinct theme on its own and provide a wellcome releaf between the two main themes surounding it allowing for reflection on the previos theme and to guide the audience towards the next theme. In theater the intermezzo piece is also used a lot for practical reasons as it might take some time to change wardrobe or scene dressing. And even in music there might be a need for the musicians to retune their instruments for the next part, swap instruments, etc.
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