word
Italian
cadenza
kuh-DEN-zuh
kəˈdɛnzəListen
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Syllable breakdown
cadenza
Sounds like
Say 'kuh-DEN-zuh'.
Dictionary meaning
An improvised or composed solo passage for a soloist, typically near the end of a concerto movement.
History and origin
Italian — 'cadenza' (cadence, from 'cadere', to fall).
Examples
- The violinist's cadenza in the Beethoven concerto lasted over three minutes and brought the audience to its feet.
Common mispronunciations
kuh-DEN-suhkuh-DENT-suh
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