Divertissement
Romantic works
Definition
A light, entertaining keyboard piece or set of pieces, often based on operatic or popular themes. Less structurally ambitious than a fantasia, the divertissement prioritises charm and agreeable melodic invention.
Historical Context
The term derives from French court entertainment and entered keyboard music in the 18th century as a title for pleasing, uncomplicated pieces. In the Romantic era Thalberg used it for salon pieces based on operatic themes that were lighter in character than his grand fantasies.