divertimento

[ dih-vur-tuh-men-toh; Italian dee-ver-tee-men-taw ]

noun

, Music.

, plural di·ver·ti·men·tos, di·ver·ti·men·ti [dih-vur-t, uh, -, men, -tee, dee-ve, r, -tee-, men, -tee].

1. an instrumental composition in several movements, light and diverting in character, similar to a serenade.

divertimento

/ dɪˌvɜːtɪˈmɛntəʊ /

noun

1. a piece of entertaining music in several movements, often scored for a mixed ensemble and having no fixed form
2. an episode in a fugue

Word History and Origins

Origin of divertimento¹

1750–60; < Italian, equivalent to diverti ( re ) to divert + -mento -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of divertimento¹

C18: from Italian

Example Sentences

Probably the divertimento composed in July, 1776 (251 K.) was also intended for his sister's fte-day.

From Project Gutenberg

Si, signorina, zat yong American gentleman say it—dam slow, no divertimento.

From Project Gutenberg

It is noticeable how often the word divertimento is heard upon the lips of the Italians.

From Project Gutenberg

As a finale, I played my last divertimento in B; they all pricked up their ears.

From Project Gutenberg

Divertimento for violin, viola, and violoncello, in E flat major (563 K.).

From Project Gutenberg