cadenzas
Virtuoso improvised passages
Cadenzas are virtuosic solo passages in a concerto or aria, typically occurring near the end of a movement, where the orchestra falls silent and the soloist displays technical brilliance and interpretive flair.
Historically, performers improvised these passages, though most are now written out by composers or famous performers.
The cadenza builds tension before resolving back into the orchestra for the final measures.
The pianist's cadenza drew gasps from the audience.
Sustained note symbol
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- culminationHighest or final point
- finaleConcluding part of performance
conclusion · coda · movement · resolution · suspension · transition · lead-in · reentry
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
- artistryExceptional creative skill
- masteryComplete skill or control
prowess · showmanship · technique · execution · display · flair · precision · bravura
Solo-and-orchestra composition
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- pianistOne who plays piano
- violinistOne who bows strings
- cellistBowed-string musician
flautist · accompaniment · orchestra · unaccompanied · spotlight · featured · showcase · recital
Rapid pitch alternations
- arpeggiosChord notes played individually
- flourishesProspers or ornamental strokes
- mordentRapid neighbor-note embellishment
- turnsRotations or chances
glissando · embellishment · elaboration · runs · coloratura · figuration · decoration · intricacy
Speak without preparation
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- freestyleWithout prescribed technique
- spontaneityActing without forethought
- creativityCapacity for original thought
invention · riffing · jamming · interpretation · expression · variation · innovation · embellishment
fermata
Sustained note symbol
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- culminationHighest or final point
finale · conclusion · coda · movement · resolution · suspension · transition · lead-in · reentry
brilliance
Exceptional intelligence or luster
mastery · prowess · showmanship · technique · execution · display · flair · precision · bravura · panache
concerto
Solo-and-orchestra composition
cellist · flautist · accompaniment · orchestra · unaccompanied · spotlight · featured · showcase · recital · performer
trills
Rapid pitch alternations
- arpeggiosChord notes played individually
- flourishesProspers or ornamental strokes
- mordentRapid neighbor-note embellishment
turns · glissando · embellishment · elaboration · runs · coloratura · figuration · decoration · intricacy · baroque
extemporize
Speak without preparation
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- freestyleWithout prescribed technique
- spontaneityActing without forethought
creativity · invention · riffing · jamming · interpretation · expression · variation · innovation · embellishment · flourish
- instrumentalsguitar solo, guitar solos, drum solo, piano solos, drum solos
- music partssolos, duets, arias, overtures, codas
- music practicewarm-up, warm-up exercises, music theory, warm-ups, practice routines
- violinviolin, bowing, violin bow, strings, fingerboard
- ornamentsornaments, ornament, decoration, decor, adornment
- Baroque MusicBach, Vivaldi, Handel, harpsichord, Vivaldi Four Seasons