Cadence

Definition

A cadence is a musical phrase that signifies the end of a thought or section, often creating a sense of resolution or pause. Cadences can establish closure and provide structural balance in music, connecting to various functions within harmony and voice leading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadences can be classified into several types including authentic, half, plagal, and deceptive, each serving different expressive functions in music.
2. The use of cadential 6/4 chords can create a stronger pull toward the dominant chord by delaying resolution and enhancing musical tension.
3. Cadences play a crucial role in establishing form and structure within a piece, often marking the end of phrases or sections.
4. Understanding cadences is essential for effective voice leading, as they guide harmonic movement and influence the flow of melody.
5. In a harmonic progression, cadences help define relationships between phrases by contrasting different types of cadences to create interest and variety.

Review Questions

• How do different types of cadences impact the structure and flow of a musical piece?
  • Different types of cadences serve unique roles in shaping the structure and flow of music. For instance, perfect authentic cadences create strong resolutions that signal the end of a section, while half cadences leave listeners with anticipation for continuation. By contrasting these cadences within a composition, composers can build tension, provide closure, and enhance overall expressiveness.
• Discuss how cadential 6/4 chords function within harmonic progressions and their effect on voice leading.
  • Cadential 6/4 chords function as predominant chords that lead smoothly into dominant chords, creating a strong sense of movement toward resolution. Their presence helps to delay resolution while adding harmonic richness. In terms of voice leading, these chords allow for smooth transitions between voices, ensuring that each part maintains clarity and direction in progressing towards the tonic.
• Analyze the role of cadences in establishing phrase relationships and overall coherence in music composition.
  • Cadences play a vital role in establishing phrase relationships by providing clear markers that delineate musical sections. They contribute to coherence by linking ideas through contrasting resolutions, which can either affirm or prolong tension. By varying cadence types throughout a piece, composers can create an engaging dialogue between phrases, guiding listeners through a structured yet expressive musical narrative.

Related terms

Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC): A harmonic progression that moves from the V chord to the I chord, with both chords in root position and the tonic note in the highest voice.

Deceptive Cadence: A harmonic progression where the V chord resolves to a vi chord instead of the expected I chord, creating surprise and prolonging the musical journey.

Half Cadence:

A progression that ends on the V chord, leaving the listener with a sense of expectation and an unresolved feeling, often leading to further musical development.