Things You'll Need:
- A solo piece (like a concerto) that includes a cadenza section.
- Staff paper and a pencil or music notation software like Finale or Sibelius.
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Step 1
Key - Your cadenza should always begin and end in the key of your piece so your own thoughts can blend in seamlessly with those of the original composer. You may get creative with key during your cadenza but be sure to keep it true to the era and style of the piece.
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Step 2
Melodic Content - Be sure to reference one or more melodic lines from your piece either directly or as a variation on the theme. It should be very clear to your audience that this is a play on the composers work, rather than a completely new idea.
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Step 3
Length - Cadenzas are meant to be a relatively short moment of elaboration on the theme. Make sure to keep your cadenza modest enough to maintain the interest of your audience.
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Step 4
Time - By definition cadenzas are unaccompanied and rubato but make sure the pulse of your cadenza is still identifiable. You may play with the tempo for musical effect but make sure someone could still understand your time as though there were accompaniment.
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Step 5
Skill - Cadenzas can be your time to show of the extent of your musicality and dexterity to wow the audience but make sure you are being realistic about your own dexterity. You will be better off performing something with a high level of musicality and moderate difficulty rather than trying to replicate the extreme skill level from your favorite artist's recording, no matter how phenomenal their cadenza sounds. Think about your own strengths and compose your cadenza to highlight what you can do well, rather than what you think would impress your audience.
