Re: Cadenza Freedom?


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Posted by AW on April 15, 2003 at 21:42:53:

In Reply to: Cadenza Freedom? posted by Mac Fish on April 14, 2003 at 19:13:16:

For a truly authoritative answer you would have to ask both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Sheridan about that particular piece. Generally, however, the notion of the cadenza has changed over the years. In Baroque and earlier Classical times, the performer was expected to make it up. The examples of cadenzas we have from back then are just that: only examples of what might have been played on a particular occasion. Performers were expected to be inspired by the composer to create some original music to go with the composition. Written-out cadenzas were for students and timid amateurs.

In the Romantic era, composers started trying to assert more control over the performers, and wrote music in a more detailed manner. Virtuoso performers still took liberties, and audiences adored it. In the twentieth century, there seems to have been a cultural shift in the performance of music. Performers were expected to "play the ink," no more, no less. "Classical" music became quite rigid. At the same time (the first half of the twentieth century) a few other things happened. Popular interest in "classical" music declined. Jazz was invented and became popular, and the practice of making clever new arrangements of older music became both accepted and popular.

Those who like to perform music have to choose which type or types of music to perform. It can be carefully following what the composer wrote, or it can be free improvisation, or anything in between. Only after that choice is made can one determine what the rules are, and how much they should be followed.

That's my discussion.

Allen Walker



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