Improvisation

From Wikiversity

The Oxford Concise Dictionary of Music by Michael Kennedy (1996) defines Improvisation as a performance according to the inventive whim of the moment, i.e. without a written or printed score, and not from memory. It has been an important element in music throughout the centuries.

Improvisation is something quite interesting and fun to do. It is an amazing ability to be able to sit down at a piano, or whatever instrument, and just play to your heart's content.

However, this ability requires an understanding of music theory, so I suggest that you (the reader) go to the beginner section and read the section on introductory music theory. If you feel that you are comfortable with music theory, then please continue.

In classical music we have what is called a cadenza. A cadenza is an improvization, showing off the virtuosity of the soloist (whether it be a singer, pianist, violinist etc...), which is usually inserted into the final cadence of any section of a vocal aria or solo instrumental movement.