Meaning of Cadenza in Music
In music, a **cadenza** is an improvised or written-out ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist, usually in a "free" rhythmic style, and often allowing for virtuosic display. It is typically performed near the end of a piece, either over the final or penultimate note, the lead-in, or an important subsection of the composition. During a cadenza, the accompaniment may rest or sustain a note or chord.
The term "cadenza" is derived from the Italian word "cadence," which refers to the last few notes of a phrase. In classical and romantic era concertos, cadenzas were most commonly found in the first movement and were often improvised by the performer. However, modern performers often use written-out cadenzas, even for classical concertos, and in modern concertos that include cadenzas, they are usually written by the composer.
It is worth noting that Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto contains a notated cadenza, which begins with a cadenza that is partly accompanied by the orchestra. Later in the first movement, the composer specifies that the soloist should play the music that is written out in the score and not add a cadenza on their own.
In summary, a cadenza is a section of improvised or written-out music performed by a soloist, usually near the end of a piece, allowing for virtuosic display and often accompanied by the rest or sustained notes of the accompaniment .
1. An ornamental passage performed near the close of a composition, usually improvised, and usually performed by a soloist. Cadenzas are mostly to be found in arias or a concerto.
2. Italian term for cadence.
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