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cadence

cadence

1 6.8
A sequence of chords that ends a musical phrase
  • noun
  • /ˈkeɪdəns/
  • Specialized
: cadencia
  • For example, the V-I cadence ceases to feel final when it becomes the sole ingredient of a piece, repeated over and over.
  • harmonic cadences
  • final cadence

And then there's a cadence point there.

Examples

  • The antecedent is a phrase that ends with a weak cadence and the consequent OK is a phrase that ends with a strong cadence.

  • Each one of them has got the same like cadence and rhythm and fundamental feel to it.

  • "We're living in strange times" was the final cadence to many a topic of conversation.

    Blog text (29)
  • Identify the harmony and melodic pitch at each cadence.

    Academic text (2006)
  • A virtuoso passage, interrupting the final cadence of an aria.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Willie Jay and Sonya finished their tender duet on a final cheery cadence, filling the room with utter silence.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The song concluded with a beautiful cadence that left the audience in awe.

  • The final cadence of the symphony signaled the end of the performance.

  • As the orchestra played the last notes, a harmonious cadence marked the end of the piece.

Synonyms

plagal cadence
vscadence
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A chord change from the fourth chord to the main chord that ends church songs

is the broader name for any chord sequence that ends a musical passage
amen cadence
vscadence
  • Specialized
9.9

A musical ending in church music where singers finish by singing Amen

is the general term for any chord sequence that closes a musical phrase

Antonyms

52 2.1

The first part of a book, speech, or essay that explains the topic

30 1.0

Something that is at the first stage of a process

Compounds

plagal cadence
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A chord change from the fourth chord to the main chord that ends church songs

amen cadence
  • Specialized
9.9

A musical ending in church music where singers finish by singing Amen

Surface Forms

cadence singular
cadences plural

Etymology

The musical sense of cadence also comes from Latin cadere 'to fall'. A cadence in music is the moment when melody or chords 'fall' to a rest, so the word now names the chord sequence that finishes a musical phrase.