Résszóló

Résszóló is a term encountered in some Hungarian musicology and contemporary performance discourse to describe a solo passage embedded within a larger, multipart work. The term combines rés (part, section) and szóló (solo), and is used to indicate a moment in which a single performer stands out within an ensemble texture.

The phrase appears primarily in mid- to late-20th-century Hungarian writings and in niche performance notes. It is not a standard term in mainstream music theory or repertoire, and spellings vary (részszóló, résszóló, részszóló) depending on author or publisher. Its precise meaning can therefore differ across sources.

A részszóló typically occurs at a structural boundary within a movement or section. It may be notated or improvised and is characterized by a distinct timbral, rhythmic, or dynamic contrast from the surrounding ensemble. The solo passage is usually relatively brief, though length and formal placement can vary according to the work and performer.

In practice, részszóló has appeared mainly within experimental and contemporary Hungarian music contexts, where it serves to foreground a performer or to create dramatic tension between solo and ensemble textures. Because it remains a relatively niche device, repertoire, score annotations, and critical discussion are limited, and interpretations of its function can differ between composers and performers.

Compared with more widely used devices such as cadenzas or explicit solo sections, the részszóló represents a localized practice with emphasis on the integration of a solo into a larger sectional design rather than a stand-alone display of virtuosity.