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Glite Dictionary
divertimento

divertimento

1 9.9
A light piece of music with several short movements for a small group of players
  • noun
  • /ˌdɪvərˈtɪməntoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : divertimento
  • On my last day, as I walked toward the elevator, the long hallway lined with racks of costumes for the night's repertory, I ran my hands along the costumes for Balanchine's Divertimento.
  • Divertimento in D, K.

Examples

  • This proposed series would be an interesting divertimento from previous Treks.

    Blog text (8)

  • I think she knew the sound it made would render any sound of mine a divertimento.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • In addition to Piston's Incredible Flutist, this season will also bring Copland's Lincoln Portrait and the Illinois premiere of Lee Actor's Divertimento for Small Orchestra.

    Blog text (23)

  • The other instrumental families of the orchestra will be featured in Charles Gounod's Petite Symphonie for Winds and Karl Husa's Divertimento for Brass and Percussion.

    Blog text (13)

  • The performers showcased a lively divertimento that captivated the audience with its playful melodies.

  • During the concert, the orchestra played a charming divertimento composed for a small string ensemble.

  • Mozart's divertimento brought joy to the listeners with its delightful and varied movements.

Synonyms

fantasia
vsdivertimento
  • Specialized
8 8.2

A free musical piece that mixes familiar tunes and made-up parts

is organized into light multi-movement works for small ensembles
serenade
vsdivertimento
  • Specialized
1 5.7

A light musical piece for a small group of instruments

is for smaller groups and lacks a fixed formal structure
chamber-work
vsdivertimento
1 8.2

Music for a small group of instruments with one player per part

is lighter and more entertaining rather than purely a small-group work
capriccio
vsdivertimento
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A lively piece for an instrument that sounds free and playful

is milder and often spans several movements for small ensembles

How Light

miniature
101 3.6
divertimento
  • Specialized
1 9.9
sonata
9 7.8
symphony
72 5.6

Surface Forms

divertimento singular
divertimenti plural

Etymology

The word divertimento comes from Italian and originally meant 'amusement' or 'fun', from the verb divertire meaning 'to amuse' and related to the English divert, which means 'to turn aside'. So a divertimento is a light, entertaining piece of music, a musical 'diversion' meant to amuse listeners.