Cadenza
noun /kəˈdɛn.zə/ — A virtuosic solo passage near the end of a concerto movement.
Definition
An elaborate solo passage in a concerto, typically near the end of a movement, in which the soloist demonstrates their virtuosity while the orchestra is silent. Originally improvised; later composed and notated. A moment of pure individual voice.
Beyond the definition
The cadenza is the concerto's held breath — the moment the orchestra steps aside and the soloist speaks alone. It is the space where technique becomes identity.
Origin & history
Italian: from 'cadenza' (cadence, rhythm, fall). In music since the 18th century; relates to the harmonic cadence typically approached and postponed by the improvisation.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Beethoven wrote out his own cadenzas for the Emperor Concerto — he trusted no one else to speak for him at that moment.
The violinist's cadenza lasted nearly four minutes — she had prepared it for years and it showed.
Every career has its cadenza: the moment when you stop following others and play alone.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Cadenza” when the meaning fits your context: An elaborate solo passage in a concerto, typically near the end of a movement, in which the soloist demonstrates their virtuosity while the orchestra is silent. Originally improvised; later composed and notated. A moment of pure individual voice.
Synonyms
solo passage, improvisation, virtuosic interlude
Antonyms
tutti, ensemble passage
Related words
Cadenza vs coda
A cadenza is an improvisational solo showcasing virtuosic skill. A coda is a structural closing passage that brings the entire musical movement to an end.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Close-up Of Musician's Precise Fingers
A close-up of a musician's fingers shows intense, precise skill as they move rapidly across the neck of a violin during a performance.
A cadenza is a solo passage showcasing individual virtuosity. The focus on precise finger movement illustrates this as a moment where the performer's personal authority is fully displayed while the surrounding context is held in reserve.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Cadenza" mean?
Cadenza is noun meaning: A virtuosic solo passage near the end of a concerto movement.. An elaborate solo passage in a concerto, typically near the end of a movement, in which the soloist demonstrates their virtuosity while the orchestra is silent. Originally improvised; later composed and notated. A moment of pure individual voice.
Where does the word "Cadenza" come from?
Italian: from 'cadenza' (cadence, rhythm, fall). In music since the 18th century; relates to the harmonic cadence typically approached and postponed by the improvisation.