What does cadenza mean?
A cadenza is an extended solo passage, usually of great virtuosity, that a concerto soloist performs near the end of a movement, typically over a sustained orchestral chord. In the Baroque and Classical eras performers were often expected to improvise their cadenzas on the spot, showcasing invention as much as technique; later composers increasingly wrote them out in full so nothing was left to chance. The word carries connotations of brilliance, freedom, and theatrical flourish, and it has drifted into figurative use to describe any spectacular display of mastery — a dancer's final leaps, a lawyer's closing argument. Borrowed from Italian, which took it from Latin cadere ('to fall'), it ultimately relates to cadence, the point at which musical phrases come to rest. For listeners, recognizing the cadenza adds real pleasure: it marks the moment a concerto pauses for its soloist's boldest statement.
A virtuosic solo passage, often improvised, inserted by the soloist near the end of a movement in a concerto.
"Her improvised cadenza brought the first movement to a thrilling close."
In earlier performance practice the soloist composed or extemporized this passage; modern performers usually play one written by the composer or chosen from published editions.
By extension, any brilliant or showy display of technical skill.
"His speech ended in an eloquent cadenza of rhetorical flourishes."
The anglicized plural 'cadenzas' is standard in English; the Italian plural 'cadenze' occasionally appears in specialist writing.
"Both cadenzas she played were her own compositions."
For centuries concertos left the cadenza blank — the soloist was expected to invent their most dazzling music on the spot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cadenza
Cadenza entered English in the late 18th century directly from Italian, where it meant a concluding flourish or cadence. The Italian word derives from Vulgar Latin *cadentia, from Latin cadere, 'to fall' — the same root that gives English 'cadence', 'decadence', and 'incident'. Its musical sense narrowed in Italian usage to mean an ornamental passage leading into, and elaborating upon, a formal cadence in a concerto.
Related word forms
How cadenza is actually used
Primarily a term of classical music criticism and programme notes; figurative use is comparatively rare and tends to appear in reviews or elevated prose. The plural may be anglicized as 'cadenzas' or retain the Italian form 'cadenze', with 'cadenzas' being standard in English.
Easily confused with cadenza
A cadence is the closing melodic or rhythmic pattern of a phrase, whereas a cadenza is an extended virtuosic solo passage inserted near the end of a concerto movement.