Cadence

Cadence in music refers to the conclusion or point of arrival at the end of a musical phrase, section, or composition. A cadence provides a sense of resolution, just as a period does for a sentence. It establishes the end of one musical idea and the beginning of the next, allowing the listener to follow the musical narrative.

After this point of resolution, new melodic material can enter, extending the composition. Cadences are the punctuation marks of music. Just as commas, periods, and exclamation points organize language and speech, cadences articulate the structure of music.

As a core concept in Western music theory, cadences have played a foundational role from the Medieval period to the present day. Composers utilize cadences to shape the emotional trajectory of their music. Performers emphasize cadences to bring out the intent behind the notes on the page. Students study cadences to understand musical form.

Beyond just ending passages, cadences do important structural and expressive work in music. The type of cadence used has a dramatic impact, from the sense of finality in an authentic cadence to the surprise of a deceptive cadence. Skillful manipulation of cadences allows composers to control tension and resolution, guiding the listener through the intended musical narrative.

Knowing the role and types of cadences unlocks a deeper understanding of music across genres and eras. It provides keys for appreciating how harmony propels melody and articulates form. For music students and enthusiasts alike, a grasp of cadence types is essential for following and analyzing the compositional choices made in any piece of music.

The Origins and Etymology of Cadence

The word “cadence” traces back to the Latin term “cadentia,” meaning “a falling.” This etymology provides insight into the melodic motion that led to the conception of cadences.

In medieval Gregorian chants, cadences emerged through the natural downward progression of pitches approaching the final note. The melodies in plainsong featured arched shapes that would reach up then fall back down, with the descent accelerating toward the end. The Latin term “cadentia” described this falling melodic contour.

As polyphony developed in the Middle Ages, the term “cadence” was adopted to label the specific chord progressions that provided punctuation and articulation. The falling melodic pattern evolved into codified cadential formulas signaling the conclusion of a musical section.

For instance, the plagal “Amen” cadence features the chord progression IV-I. The penultimate IV chord sits higher in the singer’s range, creating a sense of uplift. Resolving down to the I chord then provides a feeling of “falling” closure.

By the 16th century, the use of “cadence” was established in music theory treatises to denote a progression that articulates the end of a phrase, section, or piece. Composers intentionally utilized cadences to demarcate form, particularly clausulas verae or “true closes” like the perfect authentic cadence.

While cadential formulas have expanded beyond those simple medieval patterns, the sense of melodic descent still underpins cadential motion in Western music. The term “cadence” perfectly encapsulates this relationship between chord progressions and the downward melodic flow they support to provide satisfying resolution. Even in music without functional harmony, cadences are still defined by their conclusive melodic inflection.

The Different Types of Cadences

Cadences come in different flavors, each with their own unique sound, function, and emotional effect. The four main types of cadences in Western harmony provide composers with a diverse palette for shaping the musical narrative.

The Perfect Authentic Cadence

The perfect authentic cadence creates the most absolute sense of finality and harmonic resolution in Western music. This powerful cadence features the dominant V chord resolving to the tonic I chord, providing a satisfying conclusion.

Authentic cadences derive their resolute closure from the half step resolution of the leading tone in the V chord up to the tonic. This longed-for resolution of tension gives authentic cadences their unmistakable feeling of arrival at a musical destination.

Perfect authentic cadences are frequently employed to conclude musical sections and entire compositions, marking the end of one complete musical thought. They provide a sense of release after harmonic tension builds, acting like musical punctuation. For example, a perfect authentic cadence in the key of C major would be the progression from G major to C major.

Composers also strategically place perfect authentic cadences at structurally important points to delineate form. For instance, an authentic cadence often closes the exposition section before the development in Classical sonata form. The definitive resolution of the perfect authentic cadence allows composers to create clear definitions between musical sections.

While the perfect authentic cadence creates the strongest closure, composers can also use less conclusive versions to modulate or transition. For example, an authentic cadence in the new key at the end of a musical section can solidify a modulation. Imperfect authentic cadences on the V chord still provide partial resolution through use of the dominant.

Through its satisfying pull towards the tonic, the perfect authentic cadence provides composers with a definitive tool for structuring musical forms and guiding the listener’s ear. Authentic cadences articulate everything from phrases to entire movements with a feeling of natural completion.

The Imperfect or Half Cadence

The imperfect or half cadence creates suspense and anticipation by stopping short of resolving to the tonic. This cadence concludes a musical phrase on the dominant V chord, leaving the listener hanging in an unresolved harmonic moment.

Half cadences derive their uneasy, unfinished quality from the lack of resolution after the V chord builds tension. The leading tone in the dominant chord demands resolution by half step up to the tonic, but this expected resolution never arrives in the half cadence.

Composers utilize half cadences between musical sections to impart momentum and transition in a modulating key. They delay the gratification of an authentic cadence to build excitement and propel the music forward. Half cadences also divide phrases and sections while keeping the listener engaged.

Strategic use of half cadences in minor keys can be particularly striking. The minor V chord contains the leading tone that desperately wants to resolve upward. Half cadences in minor take advantage of this unresolved tension. Composers can follow up a minor half cadence with a perfect authentic cadence for a satisfying “question and answer” resolution.

In some contexts like jazz, half cadences can even stand alone to end a section, leaving the listener in permanent suspension. Performers will then improvise over this static dominant chord.

Whether used to transition, divide, or stand alone, the imperfect half cadence provides forward motion by perpetually denying the anticipated resolution. Composers utilize its tantalizing anticipation and tendency toward the tonic to propel music onwards.

The Plagal Cadence

The plagal cadence creates a sense of gentle resolution and finality through its “Amen” cadence progression of IV to I. With its milder closure compared to strong authentic cadences, plagal cadences provide temporary resolution mid-composition.

The IV to I chord movement creates the amen “so be it” ending familiar from sacred music. Hence its nickname – the Amen cadence. The IV chord contains the same notes as the I chord except for the absence of the leading tone, which removes driving tension. The IV chord gently eases into the tonic I without the leading tone resolution that creates strong closure.

Composers often use plagal cadences to provide a breath in the middle of a long composition after climactic sections. The Amen cadence signals the end of one subsection while connecting it to the next. Plagal cadences can also occur near the end of pieces for a warm, relaxed resolution rather than an emphatic authentic cadence.

Jazz performers frequently use the IV to I plagal cadence as a turnaround between solo sections. The familiar amen progression repeats while backing up a soloist before moving to the next solo. Pop and rock songs also often feature plagal cadences giving a laidback feel.

Though not as structurally final as authentic cadences, plagal cadences add variety and contrast to harmony and melody. Their ivory, open sound provides temporary resolution between musical ideas, section, and phrases, giving both performers and listeners time to breathe before the music continues.

The Deceptive Cadence

Deceptive cadences create surprise by avoiding the expected authentic cadence resolution. Instead of the dominant V chord progressing to the anticipated tonic I, deceptive cadences flip the script by resolving to a different chord like vi or IV.

The shock of an averted cadence adds drama, suspense, and interest to music. After the tension of the V chord, composers purposefully defy expectations by landing on an unexpected harmony. This creates bold, exciting twists in the musical narrative that capture the listener’s attention.

Romantic period composers like Beethoven, Chopin, and Wagner utilized deceptive cadences to greatly expand harmonic possibilities. The surprise of deceptive cadences enriched the expressive power of music and provided tools for evoking emotion. Deceptive cadences opened the door for more adventurous chromatic experimentation.

Jazz performers also frequently employ modified deceptive cadences both in solos and in tune rearrangements. A common jazz tactic is to resolve the V chord up a half step to the ♭VI chord instead of the expected tonic for additional harmonic color.

Deceptive cadences require care to implement effectively. Composers must ensure the new unexpected harmony aligns with the home key so that the surprise provides intrigue rather than confusion. When used judiciously, the deceptive cadence becomes a powerful weapon for defying expectations and creating captivating music.

By upending assumptions, deceptive cadences allow composers to guide listeners on an exciting, unpredictable journey. The surprised ear eagerly awaits what new unexpected turn the music will take next after being delightfully deceived.

The Musical Function of Cadences

Cadences do far more than just end passages and compositions. The musical role and effects of different cadence types provide composers with invaluable tools for structuring, expressing, and directing the listener’s experience. Understanding cadential functions unlocks deeper appreciation of the compositional choices made in any piece of music.

Providing Musical Structure

Cadences articulate the architecture of music just as punctuation gives shape to language. Different cadence types act as musical commas, periods, and semicolons to delineate form.

Authentic and plagal cadences in particular divide compositions into understandable sections like punctuation marks. Placing definitive perfect authentic cadences at structural points allows composers to clearly punctuate musical forms. For example, an authentic cadence often closes the exposition in a Classical sonata, providing a solid point of demarcation.

Even if listeners don’t consciously focus on the cadences, they depend on them to latch onto musical forms. The punctuation of cadences allows the ear to grasp repeating A and B sections in binary or ternary pieces. Familiar cadential articulation offers a foothold for navigating compositions.

On a micro level, cadences define the boundaries between melodic motifs and phrases. The resolution of a cadence clarifies when one complete musical idea ends and the next begins. Without cadences, melodies would risk becoming endless streams of sound rather than coherent, organized lines.

Like syntax directing the flow of sentences, cadences provide the framework that makes melodies intelligible. Composers harness their clarifying power to segment melodies into digestible motifs. Understanding cadential demarcation unlocks deeper appreciation of a composer’s structural choices.

Creating Musical Resolution

In addition to defining form, cadences provide resolution through the release of harmonic tension. Different cadence types create varying degrees of satisfying conclusion to musical passages.

Over the course of a melodic line or chord progression, unresolved dissonances and active harmonic rhythms build tension in the listener. Certain chords and melodic motives tend toward resolution, creating impatience for the subsequent chord changes that will resolve the tension.

Cadences provide this craved resolution, releasing the built-up tension to create a sense of conclusion. The particular colors of chords like the dominant V chord naturally impart momentum that propels toward resolution. Arriving at that resolution then provides a sensation of closure, like a musical “exhale.”

The type of cadence dictates the degree of resolution. Perfect authentic cadences deliver the most satisfying resolution due to the resolution tendency of the leading tone in the dominant chord. Plagal and deceptive cadences provide more open-ended resolution.

Knowing how cadences articulate formal divisions is just the beginning. Understanding their emotional resolution role allows for deeper appreciation of a composer’s choices to shape the dramatic narrative and guide the listener through tension and release.

Adding Musical Expression

Beyond structural function, cadences provide perhaps an even more vital role in expressing emotion through their dramatic flair. Cadence type dictates mood, allowing composers to shape the affective trajectory of the music.

From unsettled suspense to conclusive finality, cadences color compositions with contrasts in tension and resolution. Half cadences build anticipation. Plagal cadences provide temporary relaxation. Perfect cadences deliver ultimate resolution.

Composers harness these cadential personalities to guide listeners on intended emotional journeys. Definitive authentic cadences clarify triumphant arrival points, while deceptive cadences surprise and disrupt expectations for expressive purposes.

Performers must keenly understand the dramatic cadential intent in order to effectively interpret music. Emphasizing the tension and subsequent release around cadences through dynamics, timing, and articulation allows performers to heighten the composer’s emotional narrative.

A virtuoso performer recognizes that cadences are not just formal boundary markers, but opportunities to amplify the innate expressive power of a given cadence figure. Lingering on the tension before resolution and then exaggerating the release elicits catharsis in the listener.

Cadences ultimately provide the keys to unlocking the full emotional breadth woven into compositions. Only through grasping their expressive capacity can we truly appreciate how cadences offer composers profound creative freedom.

Applying Cadences in Composition and Performance

Understanding cadential theory is one thing, but practical application is another. Learning strategies for effectively utilizing cadences unlocks new dimensions of creative possibilities for composers and performers alike.

Composing with Cadences

Cadences offer invaluable architecture for building compositions and directing the listener’s experience. Here are practical tips for utilizing cadences as a composer:

• Place perfect authentic cadences at critical formal divisions to clearly articulate sections. Use plagal cadences mid-composition to provide temporary punctuation.
• Strategically manipulate cadence types to shape tension and resolution. For example, follow an unsatisfying plagal cadence with a gratifying perfect authentic cadence for contrast.
• Introduce deceptive cadences at dramatic moments to suddenly foil expectations. But take care to properly prepare the deception through appropriate voice leading.
• Learn common idiomatic cadential patterns in different genres. For instance, incorporate the “turnaround” progression in jazz tunes or the IV-I amen cadence in gospel.
• Experiment with unexpected chord substitutions in cadences for unique colors, like using ♭VI instead of V in a deceptive cadence.

By mastering conventional cadential norms alongside inventive deviations, composers gain flexibility in steering listeners through bold new musical narratives.

Performing with Cadences

Interpreting cadences is vital for performers seeking to heighten the composer’s dramatic narrative. Techniques for emphasizing cadences help spotlight structural delineations and emotional arcs.

• Analyze the compositional intent behind each cadence. Perfect cadences likely signify definitive closure, while half cadences build tension. Understand the role of each cadence in the context of the full piece.
• Use dynamics and articulation to accent cadential arrival points. Crescendo into cadences, highlighting their resolution with strong dynamic contrasts. Articulate cadence chords more deliberately to punctuate their impact.
• Linger just before cadences to increase anticipation. Temporarily delaying the expected cadential resolution can build thrilling tension, making the subsequent release even more powerful.
• Shape phrasing to clarify cadential demarcations. Allow the line to relax just after a cadence concludes a phrase before beginning a new musical thought.
• Maintain strong forward motion heading into cadences to propel the music forward. Move assertively into half cadences to convey momentum.

By interpreting and emphasizing cadential intent, performers fuse their own musicianship with the composer’s vision, eliciting the full expressive potential of cadences for listeners.

Analyzing Cadences in Music

Understanding how to analyze and interpret cadences unlocks a deeper appreciation of compositional choices. Here are techniques for studying cadence usage:

• Listen for the bass motion to identify cadence types. The bass moving from V to I indicates an authentic cadence while IV to I points to a plagal cadence.
• Label cadences while listening to note patterns. Marking cadences as you hear them clarifies the overall form. Try visually mapping cadences on a diagram.
• Consider why a composer chose a particular cadence in each instance. An unexpected deceptive cadence likely signifies an important dramatic moment while authentic cadences define key sections.
• Relate cadence choices to musical eras and genres. For example, understand that Romantic composers embraced deceptive cadences for expressive coloring, while pop music favors the definitive V-I cadence.
• Analyze how a performer interprets cadences through phrasing, articulation, and emphasis of the harmonic tension and release.

By actively listening for cadences and contemplating their role, listeners can penetrate deeper into the compositional fabric of music. Familiarity with analyzing cadential functions opens new dimensions of appreciation.

Cadences in Popular Music Genres

While classical theory codified the core cadence types, popular styles have developed their own unique cadential flavors. Understanding genre-specific cadence patterns provides insight into the composition and performance of popular music.

Jazz Cadences

Jazz employs inventive, non-traditional cadences to generate momentum and launch improvisation.

• The “turnaround” cadence features a ii-V or ii-V-I pattern that cycles back to the top of a section, perpetually delaying resolution. This open-ended loop sets up an improvisational vamp.
• Altered dominants and slash chords like G7#9/F obscure clear harmonic direction, avoiding conclusive cadences. The dissonance created by added extensions colors jazz cadences with tension.
• Suspended cadences that stop on the V dominant chord intentionally build anticipation. Jazz soloists hold on the unresolved dominant, heightening expectation before finally resolving to the tonic.

Rather than formal punctuation, jazz utilizes cadences as springboards for improvisational flights. Complex and altered cadences provide vibrant harmonic momentum to inspire soloists.

Rock and Pop Cadences

Mainstream rock and pop feature simple, definitive cadences that provide easily digestible harmonic direction.

• Music aimed at mass popularity focuses heavily on the perfect V-I authentic cadence for clear resolution. The IV-I plagal cadence also frequently occurs.
• Lyrics often highlight cadences through pivotal words landing on cadential arrival points. Syncing lyrics with impactful harmonic punctuation makes songs memorable.
• Pedal point and repetition prolong cadences through sustained bass notes and riffing. For example, repeating the tonic chord with the same bass after a cadence extends its resolution.
• Deceptive cadences are rare in mainstream rock/pop, likely avoided due to their unexpected nature. Most songs adhere to straightforward perfect and plagal cadences.

Accessible rock and pop music generally opts for simple, familiar cadences to clearly define phrases and drill melodies into listeners’ ears. Saving harmonic surprises for key moments preserves their dramatic impact.

Musical Theater Cadences

Musical theater composers tailor cadences to serve the lyricism and drama of stage productions.

• Cadences are placed to highlight pivotal lyrics and allow space for dramatic pauses or reactions. Lyrics guide cadence placement rather than pure musical form.
• Melodic embellishments like fermatas often prolong cadences to let a singer hold a climactic note for effect. Cadenzas and extended notes emphasize cadential arrival.
• Deceptive cadences help tell the story, defying expectations in surprising or ironic ways. Like plot twists, deceptive cadences accentuate meaningful lyrics.
• Plagal cadences provide gentle closure for more introspective or solemn moments. Meanwhile, authentic cadences conclude upbeat, exciting numbers.

Musical theater employs cadences not just for musical impact but for their capacity to underscore lyrics, subtext, and drama. Shaping cadences to follow the narrative helps songs advance the plot.

Cadences in Music Technology

Modern tools like DAWs, sequencers, synthesizers, and samplers provide composers flexible new options for utilizing cadences. Technology empowers easy experimentation with cadential textures and patterns.

Cadences in DAWs and Sequencers

Digital audio workstations provide powerful tools for easily incorporating cadences into compositions:

• Chord tools allow inserting authentic, plagal, and deceptive cadences with one click, enabling quick auditioning of cadence options. Hear progressions immediately without transcription.
• Programming cadence templates as MIDI or audio loops facilitates drag-and-drop placement of cadence patterns for fast composition. Tweak pre-made cadences to fit the song’s key and vibe.
• Experimenting with cadences is simple by duplicating sections and substituting alternate cadences, like swapping a perfect authentic for a deceptive cadence. Instantly hear results.
• Customize cadence impact with volume automation, crescendos into cadences, and timing adjustments. Craft your ideal dramatic punctuation.

Modern DAWs enhance cadence-focused composition through flexible tools for chord building, MIDI editing, and fast workflow. Their powers open new creative possibilities for producing cadences.

Cadences in Synthesis and Sampling

Synthesizers and samplers offer new sonic possibilities for performing and producing cadences:

• Synthesize cadences to emulate acoustic instrument articulation and resolution. Add subtle wavering pitches or carefully tuned filters to mimic realism.
• Craft expressive cadence samples to make MIDI performances sound more human. Record authentic-sounding cadences on various instruments.
• Incorporate deceptive cadences impossible on acoustic instruments, like resolutions with non-traditional tunings or microtones.
• Shape pad and ambient synth textures with slow harmonic cadences. Use long evolving chords and cascading arpeggios to create atmospheric cadential motion.
• Isolate and stretch cadence samples into ambient drones and textures. Time-stretch a saxophone cadence into a pad.

Synthesis and sampling enable producing cadences with new sounds, textures, and patterns. The creative possibilities are vast for reinventing cadences electronically.

Cadences in Audio Editing

Audio editing software provides mixing and arrangement tools for heightening cadences:

• Adjust cadence timing in recordings through slicing, rearrangement, and quantization. Tighten up loose cadences or extend suspenseful pauses.
• Crossfade between sections into impactful cadences for seamless transitions. Meet cadences with a cymbal swell or fill.
• Automate volume around cadences with crescendos approaching cadential arrival points and decrescendos following resolution.
• Isolate cadential motifs like a turnaround lick to set up loops and vamps. Time-stretch to lengthen without altering pitch.
• Reverse an ascending line into a cadence-like descending figure. Get creative with editing techniques to invent new cadence colors.

From precision timing adjustments to creative sound design, audio editing tools help producers polish cadences and develop fresh cadential ideas.

Final Thoughts

Cadences are more than just chords marking the ends of musical ideas. They provide the grammar that underpins the melodic syntax of compositions across styles and eras. Understanding cadential language unlocks a gateway into the inner workings of music.

On paper, cadences connect musical theory with practical application. They transform harmony and voice leading principles into living, breathing tools for structuring and expressing. Knowledge of cadence types empowers composers, performers, and listeners alike to penetrate a composition’s layers.

Beyond theory, cadences offer profound artistic power. In their hands, composers wield cadences to guide listeners on intended journeys filled with tension, release, surprise, and satisfaction. Performers leaned into cadences manifest the composer’s vision with drama and eloquence through their interpretations.

From Mozart to Duke Ellington to Taylor Swift, universally, cadences provide the punctuation giving shape to musical narratives. Whether consciously or intuitively, musicians across backgrounds rely on cadential wisdom passed down through centuries of tradition.

For any enthusiast seeking to deepen their musical insight across styles, history, and culture, developing an ear for cadences provides keys to unlocking a richer listening experience. Understanding cadential language allows one to appreciate masterful composition and performance on a whole deeper level.