Cadence

File:Mozart Romanze from Piano Concerto 20.wav

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Mozart Romanze from Piano Concerto 20

File:Beethoven Presto from Quartet Op. 130.wav

Beethoven Presto from Quartet Op. 131

File:Handel, Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus closing bars 01.wav Cadence refers to the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words. In the context of music, cadence is the sequence of chords that brings a section, phrase, or piece of music to a close. It can be considered the musical punctuation that signals the end or pause in a piece, similar to a period or comma in a sentence. Cadences are essential for creating structure within music, allowing for the division of phrases and sections in a way that is satisfying to the listener. There are several types of cadences in music, each with its own characteristic feel and function.

Types of Cadences

The most common types of cadences in Western classical music include the Perfect Cadence, Imperfect Cadence, Plagal Cadence, and Interrupted Cadence. Each type serves a different purpose and creates a different effect.

• Perfect Cadence (V-I): Also known as the authentic cadence, this involves a progression from the dominant (V) chord to the tonic (I) chord. It has a strong sense of resolution and is often used to signal the end of a piece or section.
• Imperfect Cadence (I-V, IV-V, etc.): This leads from a chord other than the dominant to the dominant chord, creating a sense of anticipation or suspense, as it does not fully resolve.
• Plagal Cadence (IV-I): Known as the "Amen" cadence because of its frequent use at the end of hymns, this progression from the subdominant to the tonic chord creates a softer sense of closure than the perfect cadence.
• Interrupted Cadence (V-VI): This unexpected cadence moves from the dominant to the submediant chord, creating a surprise or interrupted effect, as it does not resolve as the listener expects.

In addition to these, there are other less common types of cadences such as the Neapolitan Cadence and the Picardy Third, each adding their own unique color and emotional effect to the music.

Cadence in Other Contexts

While cadence is most commonly associated with music, the term is also used in other fields with a slightly different meaning:

• In poetry and prose, cadence refers to the rhythmic flow of the spoken or written word, influenced by the choice of words, their arrangement, and the intentional use of repetition, meter, and rhyme.
• In cycling, cadence refers to the rate at which a cyclist pedals, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A higher cadence means that the pedals are being turned more quickly.
• In the military, cadence can refer to the call and response song or chant performed by military personnel while marching or running.

Conclusion

Cadence plays a crucial role in music, providing structure and emotional impact. By understanding the different types of cadences and their effects, musicians and composers can craft pieces that convey the intended emotions and guide the listener through the musical experience. Similarly, the concept of cadence in other fields highlights the importance of rhythm and flow, whether in physical movement, speech, or writing.