ntermezzo was commissioned by Polish Radio's Programme 2 in 1996. Slawinski views this, along with various other works, such as Memorial for mezzo-soprano, retuned piano and tape, Ballad for six percussionists, and Pulsar for percussion and tape, as falling within the category of modern music. Subtly-used quarter tones meld with elements of the tonal language, creating a cohesive and sweet-sounding whole. The work was first performed by the Wilanów Quartet during the 1996 Warsaw Music Meetings, and the ensemble also made a recording for Polish Radio's sound archives.