Some Observations made travelling through France, Italy etc., in the years 1720-1722

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

85

text excerpt

The Intermezzi (or intermediate Performances) which they have in some of their smaller Theatres between the Acts, are very comical in their way, which is somewhat low, not much unlike the Farces we see sometimes on our [English] Stage. They laugh, scold, imitate other Sounds, as the cracking of a Whip, the rumbling of Chariot Wheels, and all to Musick. These Intermezzi are in Recitativo and Song, as the Opera's are. But, such Entertainments, between the Acts of an Opera, somewhat like it in the Manner, but different in the Subject, seem to interrupt the Unity of the Opera itself; and if they will have such laughing Work, it shou'd seem better at the End of the Entertainment; as the Petite piece in France, at the End of their Comedy, and the Farces with us sometimes are.

The Intermezzi (or intermediate Performances) which they have in some of their smaller Theatres between the Acts, are very comical in their way, which is somewhat low, not much unlike the Farces we see sometimes on our [English] Stage. They laugh, scold, imitate other Sounds, as the cracking of a Whip, the rumbling of Chariot Wheels, and all to Musick. These Intermezzi are in Recitativo and Song, as the Opera's are. But, such Entertainments, between the Acts of an Opera, somewhat like it in the Manner, but different in the Subject, seem to interrupt the Unity of the Opera itself; and if they will have such laughing Work, it shou'd seem better at the End of the Entertainment; as the Petite piece in France, at the End of their Comedy, and the Farces with us sometimes are.

excerpt from 'Some Observations made travelling through France, Italy etc., in the years 1720-1722' pp. 85 (137 words)

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1515694657272