Before the 18th and 19th centuries, where would cadenzas typically occur in a composition?

Cadenzas are typically characterized as virtuosic solo passages that allow performers to showcase their technical skills and interpretive abilities. In the context of musical compositions before the 18th and 19th centuries, cadenzas predominantly occurred at the end of prominent cadences. This location is significant because it creates a natural pause or resolution in the music, providing an optimal moment for the performer to express individual artistry before the piece continues with the ensemble or other thematic material.

Cadenzas function as an embellishment that enhances the emotive quality of a performance at climactic points, particularly following a strong cadence. They serve both as a flourish and a way to personalize the music. While cadences may informally appear in various sections of a composition, the traditional placement at the end of a cadence solidifies their role as a moment of heightened expression and creative freedom for the performer.