Which term describes a virtuosic, unaccompanied solo section at the end of a movement?

• A. Cadenza
• B. Rondo
• C. Ritardando
• D. Passacaglia

Answer: (A)

A cadenza is a virtuosic, unaccompanied solo passage, typically placed near the end of a movement to showcase the soloist’s skill before the movement concludes. Historically it could be improvised, though now it’s usually written out. The other ideas describe different things: a rondo features a recurring main theme alternating with contrasting episodes; ritardando means gradually slowing the tempo; and a passacaglia is a musical form built on a repeating bass line with variations. The cadenza fits the description because it is specifically the dramatic, unaccompanied solo moment that closes a movement.