Cadence

Definition

A cadence is a musical phrase that signifies the end of a section or a piece, often creating a sense of closure or pause. In music, cadences can serve various functions, including signaling the conclusion of a melody, providing resolution in harmony, and shaping the overall structure of a composition. They are crucial for interpreting musical form and guiding performers in expressive playing, linking elements like keyboard notation, compositional theory, and ornamentation techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadences can be classified into different types, including perfect, imperfect, plagal, and deceptive, each serving unique functions in music.
2. The notation for cadences evolved with keyboard music, allowing composers to specify how to execute cadences effectively with fingerings.
3. In the context of improvisation and ornamentation, understanding cadences helps performers decide when to embellish phrases or when to resolve musically.
4. Rameau's work highlighted the importance of cadences in establishing harmonic progression and form, influencing future composers' approaches.
5. Cadences contribute significantly to the overall flow of music by guiding transitions between sections and helping to build emotional impact.

Review Questions

• How do different types of cadences impact the structure and emotional delivery of a musical piece?
  • Different types of cadences play a crucial role in shaping the structure and emotional delivery of music. For example, an authentic cadence provides a strong sense of closure, reinforcing the end of a section. In contrast, a half cadence creates a feeling of suspense and anticipation for what's to come. By understanding how these cadences function, performers can better express the intended emotions and guide listeners through the piece.
• Discuss Rameau's contributions regarding cadences and their significance in the context of music theory.
  • Rameau significantly advanced music theory by emphasizing the role of cadences in establishing harmonic relationships within compositions. He categorized various cadences and described their functions within harmonic progressions, laying the groundwork for future theoretical developments. His analysis helped composers understand how to create tension and resolution through cadence usage, influencing their approach to both composition and performance.
• Evaluate how an understanding of cadences enhances improvisation techniques in keyboard performance.
  • An understanding of cadences greatly enhances improvisation techniques by allowing keyboard performers to navigate harmonic progressions more effectively. Knowing where cadences occur helps musicians decide when to embellish melodies or transition smoothly between sections. This knowledge encourages creativity while maintaining structural integrity in spontaneous performance. Ultimately, mastery of cadence usage leads to more expressive and coherent improvisations.

Related terms

Authentic Cadence: A strong resolution typically formed by the dominant chord followed by the tonic chord, often used to mark the end of a musical phrase.

Half Cadence: A type of cadence that ends on the dominant chord, creating a sense of pause without full resolution, leading to further musical development.

Deceptive Cadence: A cadence that creates an expectation of resolution but instead leads to an unexpected chord, often enhancing musical tension.