cadenza
UK[kəˈden.zə]US[kəˈden.zə]
n
a difficult, showy passage for a solo instrument or voice, usually near the end of a piece of classical music, where the performer can display skill and improvisation.
n
a similar elaborate flourish or passage in other contexts.
Etymology
the word 'cadenza' is borrowed directly from italian, where it means 'cadence'. the italian term itself derives from the latin verb 'cadere', meaning 'to fall'. this etymological journey reflects a conceptual evolution from the general idea of a falling or concluding rhythm in music to a specific, virtuosic ornamental passage that typically occurs just before the final cadence of a movement. the logic connects the literal 'falling' motion of a musical phrase to the structural placement and descending melodic patterns often found in these elaborate solo sections. thus, the modern abstract meaning of an ornate, improvisatory flourish is rooted in the ancient concept of a rhythmic and harmonic conclusion.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian, adopted as a whole lexical unit into english. it is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the pianist's breathtaking cadenza brought the audience to its feet.
the concerto features a famously challenging cadenza for the violin.
she improvised a short cadenza to bridge the two sections of the song.