Measure numbers in cadenzas

June 26, 2023, 6:34 AM · How do you count measure numbers in cadenzas?
Do you start from 1 or continue numbering (e.g. if the last measure before the cadenza starts is 216, you continue with 217)?

Replies (3)

Susan Agrawal

June 26, 2023, 7:41 AM · In most cases, I start from 1. The exception would be if the composer has written the cadenza directly into the music with time signatures, barlines, and everything.

Bo Pontoppidan

June 28, 2023, 8:32 AM · In most cases the orchestra parts will not have more than one bar where the cadenza is - or not even that. Sometimes just a fermata. So if you continue the numbering you will have different bar numbers compared to the orchestra.

Scott Cole

June 29, 2023, 4:10 PM · Whatever the case, check your bar numbers with the accompanist or the conductor. That's all that matters.

I can't tell you how many times the conductor neglected to check his/her bar numbers against the orchestral parts or against those of the soloist. It has led to much wasted time that could easily have been avoided.

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