Cadence

Definition

A cadence is a musical term that refers to a sequence of chords that brings a phrase, section, or piece to a close. It functions as a punctuation mark in music, indicating the end of a thought or idea and often providing a sense of resolution. Cadences can vary in their strength and type, influencing how music is perceived in terms of its melodic and harmonic flow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadences can be classified into different types, such as authentic, half, plagal, and deceptive cadences, each serving different musical purposes.
2. The placement of cadences within melodic structures plays a crucial role in defining the overall contour and phrasing of a piece.
3. In harmonic analysis, recognizing cadences helps musicians understand the progression of chords and their relationships within a key.
4. Cadences are essential in common chord progressions, guiding transitions between sections and contributing to the overall structure of compositions.
5. In counterpoint, cadences mark important moments of closure and can highlight points of tension and release within polyphonic textures.

Review Questions

• How do different types of cadences impact the melodic contour and structure of a musical piece?
  • Different types of cadences play distinct roles in shaping the melodic contour and structure of a piece. Authentic cadences provide strong resolutions that clearly signal the end of phrases, while half cadences create suspense by ending on the dominant chord. This variation influences how melodies are perceived and can guide composers in crafting phrases that evoke specific emotional responses.
• Discuss the importance of recognizing cadences in harmonic analysis and how they contribute to understanding chord progressions.
  • Recognizing cadences is crucial in harmonic analysis because they serve as landmarks within chord progressions. By identifying where cadences occur, musicians can gain insight into the overall structure and function of harmony in a piece. This understanding helps in determining how various chords relate to one another, as well as in predicting how music will develop or resolve.
• Evaluate the role of cadences in species counterpoint and their effect on compositional techniques.
  • In species counterpoint, cadences play a significant role by marking points of closure within complex polyphonic textures. They influence compositional techniques by establishing moments where voices converge harmonically, creating resolutions that are pleasing to the ear. Composers must skillfully incorporate cadences to ensure balance between tension and resolution, which ultimately shapes the listener's experience of the work.

Related terms

Authentic Cadence: A type of cadence that moves from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic chord (I), creating a strong sense of resolution.

Half Cadence: A cadence that ends on the dominant chord (V), leaving the listener with a feeling of suspense or incompleteness.

Plagal Cadence: A cadence that moves from the subdominant chord (IV) to the tonic chord (I), often associated with a softer resolution.