Instruments & Performance

Cadenza

Japanese name
カデンツァ

A cadenza is a section, typically in a concerto, where the soloist plays relatively freely.

How to use it

You can apply the idea by thinning out the accompaniment before or after a solo and letting a free phrase be heard.

How it differs from related terms

A cadenza is a solo passage, while a cadence is a different term that refers to the sense of landing in a chord progression.

Prepare where it returns and how the next part enters, and it will fit into the song.

Sources & review

Last reviewed July 16, 2026

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