Cadenzas

In a conversation with the violinist Peter Herresthal, we touched on the “invitation” in the score of Ligeti’s Violin concerto to provide a cadenza for the work. Peter suggested that I answer this invitation and I was happy to accept. I followed all the composer’s directions exactly: the cadenza may use material from all five movements, and should be of “hectic” character throughout. I also aimed to write a cadenza of which the closing orchestral coda would be an inevitable result. (Thomas Adès)

The cadenza can also be composed by the soloist and can last up to 1-2 minutes. It should be hectic throughout (continuation of the appassionata agitato molto), but can incorporate melodic material ad lib. from all five movements. Towards the end, the tempo should be prestissimo with alternating arco and left hand pizz. in mad virtuosity. The cadenza has no real end and is suddenly interrupted by the orchestra at R (as agreed between soloist and conductor). This interruption occurs suddenly "as if unprepared". The soloist should at this point be playing in high positions (on the top string) at maximum velocity. The solo violin abruptly falls silent on the entry of the high woodblock. György Ligeti