Cadence
A harmonic or melodic formula that marks the end of a phrase, section, or piece.
Category
harmony
Pronunciation
KAY-dens
Origin
Latin (cadentia, falling)
Length
131 words · 1 min read
About Cadence
A cadence is a point of arrival or rest in music, created by a specific sequence of chords. The four main cadence types in Western tonal music are: perfect (V–I, strong conclusion), plagal (IV–I, the "Amen" cadence), imperfect (ending on V, open and unresolved), and interrupted/deceptive (V–vi, surprise redirection).
More harmony terms
Suspension
View all harmonyterms →A non-chord tone held over from the previous chord, creating tension
TriadA three-note chord built from stacked thirds
ContrappesoA niche orchestration concept referring to the balancing of harmonic weight between contrasting sonorities
ConsonanceIntervals or chords perceived as stable, restful, and complete.
Seventh ChordA four-note chord adding a seventh above the root to a triad
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →