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Two intermezzi for string orchestra, Op.12 has also a bipartite structure. The title (which was originally in French) and tempo indications show that they were composed in Paris.

The first intermezzo, Allègrement, begins as a gentle study in a flowing 4/4, in a mood not unlike that Elgar in his more whimsical moments - both composers' knowledge of string instruments was profound. The form, a statement and developmental counterstatement, is easy to follow and Enescu's weaving of the initial idea through the texture is fascinating. The tiny coda is a masterly touch.

The second intermezzo, Très lent, speaks with a French accent: of Fauré rather than Debussy or Ravel in the initial, rather shy idea which flows over adjacent chords. This piece has a similar structure to the first, yet is more restrained and withdrawn, more atmospheric perhaps, until two widely-spaced, clear and soft G major chords bring the music to an unmistakable conclusion.

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