cadenza

noun

ca·​den·​za kə-ˈden-zə 

1

: a parenthetical flourish in an aria or other solo piece commonly just before a final or other important cadence

2

: a technically brilliant sometimes improvised solo passage toward the close of a concerto

3

: an exceptionally brilliant part of an artistic and especially a literary work

Did you know?

A concerto is a large piece for an instrumental soloist (usually playing piano or violin) and orchestra. Concertos are often extremely demanding for the soloist, but the most difficult part of all may be the cadenza, when the orchestra drops out completely, leaving the soloist to dazzle the audience with a set of flourishes, often completely original, right before a movement ends. Cadenzas are also heard in many vocal arias, especially those of the 18th century. The word, borrowed from Italian, originally meant "cadence;" thus, the cadenza, even if it lasts for a couple of minutes, is essentially a decoration of the final important harmonic cadence of the piece.

Examples of cadenza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The music has luxurious legato sections and boisterous cadenzas, plus intriguing pizzicato. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024

After opening with a quickly escalating cadenza, Tamestit took on the character of a Charon-like guide through a desolate landscape, with no reprieve or escape in sight. —Joshua Barone, New York Times, 31 May 2024

The main theme, a declamatory seven-note figure, later becomes the basis for a fantastical cadenza on vibraphone, played poetically by Yeh. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2024

The topic disclosed over the next 10 minutes appeared to be the violin’s music, submerged beneath clarinets and brass, breaking through in the final minute for a furious cadenza. —Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, probably borrowed from Medieval Latin cadentia "rhythm in verse, cadence" — more at cadence

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cadenza

noun

ca·​den·​za kə-ˈden-zə 

: an impressive solo part usually near the close of a musical composition