Cadence is a musical term that denotes the conclusion of a musical phrase, section, or piece through a specific harmonic sequence of chords. In other words, a cadence creates a sense of "completeness" or "pause" in music.
Origin of the Term
The word "cadence" comes from the Latin cadentia, which means "falling" or "ending." In music, it reflects the moment when melody and harmony "fall" to a stable, completed chord, creating a sense of an end or a temporary stop.
Main Types of Cadences
In classical and contemporary music, several main types of cadences are distinguished:
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Perfect (Authentic) Cadence
- Occurs in the sequence V → I (dominant → tonic).
- Creates a sense of complete resolution.
- Most often used at the end of a piece.
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Half Cadence
- Ends on V (dominant) and creates a sense of incompleteness.
- Used to prepare for a transition to the next phrase or section.
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Plagal Cadence
- Occurs in the sequence IV → I (subdominant → tonic).
- Often referred to as the "Amen cadence" due to its prevalence in sacred music.
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Deceptive (Imperfect) Cadence
- The dominant V resolves not to the tonic but to another chord (usually VI).
- Creates an unexpected effect, delaying the sense of resolution.
The Role of Cadence in Music
Cadences serve several important functions:
- Structuring Music – they help divide a piece into phrases and sections.
- Emotional Emphasis – a perfect cadence usually creates a sense of calm and completeness, while a deceptive cadence adds tension.
- Guiding the Listener – through cadences, the listener feels when a phrase or section ends, even if they are not familiar with music theory.
Contemporary Application
In pop, jazz, and rock music, cadences are also present, although often in a less formalized form. For example, hit verses or choruses often end with a half cadence or deceptive cadence to "push" the melody forward.
