December 3, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Horn study, Performance & Playing   |   Cadenzas, People in horn & music history, Quotations

Quantz on Cadenzas


Students often struggle a bit with their cadenzas. With juries (performance exams) coming for many horn students the next two weeks, the following quote from Johann Joachim Quantz is very appropriate to ponder.

The object of the cadenza is simply to surprise the listener unexpectedly once more at the end of the piece, and to leave behind a special impression in the heart.

This is translated from his On Playing the Flute from 1752. In terms of horn playing even if you are using elements of printed cadenzas your cadenza needs to show some style and that little element of surprise to be effective.

JOHN ERICSON has wide-ranging experience as an orchestral player, soloist, and teacher.» About John Ericson » More articles » Horn Notes Edition » Contact

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Quantz on Cadenzas
Published on December 3, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Horn study, Performance & Playing   |   Cadenzas, People in horn & music history, Quotations
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.