Concept
Glossary of music terminology
Related concepts (21)
Cadenza
In music, a cadenza (from cadenza kaˈdɛntsa, meaning cadence; plural, cadenze kaˈdɛntse) is, generically, an improvised or written-out ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist or soloists, usually in a "free" rhythmic style, and often allowing virtuosic display. During this time the accompaniment will rest, or sustain a note or chord. Thus an improvised cadenza is indicated in written notation by a fermata in all parts.