A Conclusive History and Critique of the Cadenza

The transformation of the cadenza from a cadence to a virtuosic work has changed how composers have approached composition, from improvisation to ornamentations. With the intent of improving music pedagogy, the purpose of this research was to trace the history of the cadenza. The particular problems of this study were to (1) determine the changes made in cadenza composition (c. 1500-present); (2) research arguments regarding whether or not cadenzas should be composed by the musician or composer; and (3) address criticisms of the modern cadenza (c. 1980-present). The cadenza has changed from an idea that closed a composition to a virtuosic showcase of musical themes which highlighted the techniques of the performer. Cadenzas from the Classical Era (c. 1730-1820) were written by the composers and prevented musicians from adding self-expression. Researchers such as Author Joseph P. Swain (1988) argued that the modern cadenza cast a blemish on an established piece. This criticism acts as an effort to change what the cadenza means to modern musicians, as understanding what the cadenza truly means is what elevates a performance, not the perfection of its separate parts. The cadenza functions as a method to convey the understanding the musician has arrived