Cadence
Definition
A cadence is a musical phrase that marks the end of a musical section or piece. It provides a sense of resolution and closure to the listener.
Analogy
Think of a cadence as the period at the end of a sentence. Just like how a period signals the completion of a thought, a cadence signals the completion of a musical idea.
Related terms
Phrase: A phrase is a smaller musical unit within a larger musical structure. It can be compared to a sentence in writing.
Tonic: The tonic is the central pitch or key in music. It can be compared to the main character in a story.
Dominant: The dominant is an important chord that creates tension and leads back to the tonic. It can be compared to an antagonist in literature, stirring up conflict before resolving it.
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