Cadence

Definition

A cadence is a melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of resolution or pause in music, often signaling the end of a phrase or section. It serves as a crucial component in establishing musical flow, direction, and emotional weight, linking phrases and providing closure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadences can be classified into several types, including authentic, plagal, half, deceptive, and more, each serving different musical purposes.
2. In four-part writing, cadences are essential for determining voice leading and harmonic structure, affecting how the music is perceived by the listener.
3. A cadence often marks the end of musical phrases in various forms, helping to delineate sections in compositions.
4. Cadences contribute to the overall emotional impact of a piece by providing moments of rest or tension that reflect the music's narrative.
5. Understanding cadences is key to analyzing common chord progressions and their functions within larger harmonic contexts.

Review Questions

• How does an authentic cadence function in establishing closure within a musical phrase?
  • An authentic cadence functions by creating a strong sense of resolution through a V-I progression. When the dominant chord (V) resolves to the tonic (I), it signals the end of a musical phrase with clarity and finality. This type of cadence reinforces the tonal center of the piece and is often used at the conclusion of sections to provide closure.
• Compare and contrast the emotional effects of authentic cadences versus plagal cadences within a composition.
  • Authentic cadences tend to create a strong sense of closure and finality, while plagal cadences offer a softer resolution that feels more reflective. The V-I progression of an authentic cadence delivers a decisive ending, often used at climactic moments. In contrast, the IV-I movement in a plagal cadence evokes a gentler conclusion, frequently employed in church hymns or lyrical passages to create warmth and contemplation.
• Evaluate how different types of cadences contribute to harmonic progression and musical form in compositions.
  • Different types of cadences serve unique roles in shaping harmonic progression and musical form. Authentic cadences provide strong resolutions that mark clear boundaries between sections, while half cadences introduce tension by leaving phrases open-ended. Plagal cadences soften transitions, creating continuity between sections. Understanding these functions allows composers to manipulate emotional responses effectively and craft cohesive musical narratives.

Related terms

Authentic Cadence:

A type of cadence that involves a V-I progression, creating a strong sense of resolution and finality.

Plagal Cadence:

Often referred to as the 'Amen' cadence, this involves a IV-I progression and provides a softer resolution than an authentic cadence.

Half Cadence:

A cadence that ends on the V chord, leaving the music feeling unresolved and creating anticipation for continuation.