Can you provide some examples of music with a free form structure?
07.06.2025 00:55

Typically, within a symphonic score, free-form structure is instructed via a Composer's indication of “Cadenza”. In musical terms, a cadenza is an improvised, ornamental passage performed in a “free” rythmic style, typically by a solo performer. To some extent, the musical indication of “a piacere”, (at your pleasure), also allows a performer to abide by the tempo, rhythm and dynamic level of their decision.
“Sheherezade”:
“The Lark Ascending”: (the indication “Sur la touche” advises the Violinist to play on the finger board of the instrument).
Why is Eric Clapton so roundly disliked among guitarists?
Likewise, Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's composition “Sheherezade” contains a sequence of musical passages with skeletal framework provided, allowing free-form to both soloist and strings in pizzacato. Rimsky-Korsakov's notation is most fascinating to see..and hear. The passages of which I write take place in Mvt. 2 of this astonishing work.
Below are images of the respective passages of which I speak.
Ralph Vaughn-Williams’ timeless, ethereal “The Lark Ascending” begins with a cadenza for solo Violin with quite the duration of free-form allowed by the Composer. Vaughn-Williams' notation is quite interesting to view. Violinist Hilary Hahn best infuses this cadenza with the most favorable tone and technique.