Crossword Genius

Musical interlude Verdi composed: it's transmitted around Maine (14)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

divertissement

'musical interlude' is the definition.

'verdi composed it's transmitted around maine' is the wordplay.
'composed' is an anagram indicator.
'it's' becomes ''tis' (I've seen this before).
'transmitted' becomes 'sent' ('send' can be a synonym of 'transmit').
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'maine' becomes 'me' (abbreviation).
'sent' going around 'me' is 'sement'.
'verdi' is an anagram of 'diver'.
'diver'+'tis'+'sement'='DIVERTISSEMENT'

(Other definitions for divertissement that I've seen before include "a little amusement" , "Minor entertainment" , "ballet interlude" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app