The Art of the Cadenza

Advanced & Advanced Intermediate students

A cadenza is an ornamental passage played by a soloist in a style that is without strict rhythm and meter and allows the performer to demonstrate virtuosic mastery of an instrument.  The technique is most associated with contemporary jazz and classical concertos, but it should be a part of the skill set of hammer dulcimer players too.  This workshop will examine the elements of a well-crafted cadenza:  creating a harmonic progression, utilization of chords extensions and selecting appropriate scales segments.  The workshop will examine the three major uses of a cadenza: opening a melody, closing a melody and making the key, rhythm or tempo transition between two melodies.   Traditional and contemporary melodies will be used to demonstrate the tools used to create memorable cadenzas.

Click on the Links below to download the handout notes and a copy of the circle of 5ths.