Cadences are the musical punctuation marks that shape a composition's structure and emotional journey. They come in four main types: authentic, plagal, half, and deceptive. Each type creates a unique sense of resolution or tension, guiding the listener through the musical narrative.

Understanding cadences is crucial for crafting compelling chord progressions. By strategically placing different cadence types, composers can build tension, create surprise, and provide satisfying resolutions. This skillful manipulation of musical expectations is key to engaging listeners and conveying the intended emotional impact of a piece.

Cadence Types

Four Main Cadence Types

• Authentic cadences
  • Move from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I) chord
  • Provide a strong sense of resolution
  • Perfect authentic cadences (PAC) have both chords in root position with the tonic in the soprano voice
  • Imperfect authentic cadences (IAC) have the dominant in root position but the tonic in an inverted position or with a non-tonic note in the soprano voice
• Plagal cadences ("Amen" cadence)
  • Move from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I) chord
  • Provide a sense of resolution, though less strong than authentic cadences
  • Often used in religious or solemn contexts (hymns, choral music)
• Half cadences
  • End on the dominant (V) chord
  • Create a sense of temporary pause or incompleteness
  • Often used in the middle of a phrase or as a transition (baroque music, sonata form)
• Deceptive cadences (interrupted cadences)
  • Move from the dominant (V) to a chord other than the tonic, often the submediant (vi)
  • Create a sense of surprise or unfulfilled expectation
  • Can be used to extend a musical idea by delaying the expected resolution (romantic music, jazz)

Role of Cadences in Musical Phrases

• Specific chord progressions that create a sense of resolution or temporary pause at the end of a musical phrase
• Help define the endings of musical phrases and sections
• Provide a sense of structure and punctuation in a composition
• Placement and type of cadence can indicate the hierarchical relationship between phrases
  • Stronger cadences (PAC) used for more definitive endings
  • Weaker cadences (IAC, half) used for intermediate points

Cadence Function in Phrases

Defining Phrase Structures

• Cadences help define the endings of musical phrases and sections
• Provide a sense of structure and punctuation in a composition
• Placement and type of cadence can indicate the hierarchical relationship between phrases
  • Stronger cadences (PAC) used for more definitive endings
  • Weaker cadences (IAC, half) used for intermediate points
• Absence of a cadence or use of a deceptive cadence can create a sense of continuity or forward motion
  • Propels the music into the next phrase or section
  • Creates a sense of ongoing development or unresolved tension

Creating Musical Resolutions

• Cadences contribute to the overall sense of tension and release in a piece
• Resolution provided by a cadence serves as a point of arrival or relaxation
• Perfect authentic cadences provide a strong, definitive sense of resolution
  • Often used at the end of a section or the entire piece
  • Evoke a sense of satisfaction, relief, or finality for the listener
• Imperfect authentic cadences provide a less final sense of resolution
  • Allow for the continuation of the musical idea
  • Create a sense of partial resolution while maintaining forward momentum
• Plagal cadences offer a different quality of resolution compared to authentic cadences
  • Less strong but still provide a sense of ending or repose
  • Often associated with religious or solemn contexts (hymns, choral music)

Cadence Use in Composition

Choosing Cadences for Desired Effects

• When composing, consider the desired sense of finality or resolution at the end of each phrase
• Use perfect authentic cadences for strong, definitive endings (end of a section or entire piece)
• Use imperfect authentic cadences for a sense of resolution that is less final (continuation of musical idea)
• Employ half cadences to create a sense of temporary pause or to signal a transition (new section or key area)
• Incorporate plagal cadences for a sense of resolution that is less strong than authentic cadences (religious or solemn contexts)
• Use deceptive cadences to create surprise, variety, or to extend a musical idea (delaying expected resolution)

Incorporating Cadences in Musical Phrases

• Cadences should be used strategically to shape the overall structure and emotional arc of a composition
• Consider the hierarchy of phrases and sections when choosing cadence types
  • More important structural points warrant stronger cadences (PAC)
  • Intermediate phrases or transitions can use weaker cadences (IAC, half)
• Use cadences to punctuate the end of musical ideas and provide a sense of breathing or pacing in the music
• Vary the use of cadence types to create interest, surprise, and maintain listener engagement
  • Deceptive cadences can be particularly effective in subverting expectations
  • Delayed resolutions can heighten tension and anticipation

Cadences and Tension vs Release

Building and Releasing Tension

• Cadences play a crucial role in shaping the emotional trajectory of a piece
• Buildup of tension before a cadence heightens the anticipation for the upcoming resolution
  • Use of dissonance, rhythmic complexity, or dynamic intensity
  • Creates a sense of instability or unresolved energy
• Resolution provided by a cadence, particularly a PAC, can evoke a sense of satisfaction, relief, or finality
  • Release of accumulated tension
  • Arrival at a point of stability or repose
• Deceptive cadences can prolong the sense of tension by denying the expected resolution
  • Creates a sense of surprise or anticipation
  • Extends the musical idea and maintains listener engagement

Shaping Emotional Response

• Strategic use of different types of cadences throughout a composition can create a compelling narrative arc
• Manipulates the listener's expectations and sense of resolution
• Guides the listener's emotional response and engagement with the music
• Buildup and release of tension through cadences contribute to the overall expressive impact of a piece
  • Can evoke feelings of anticipation, suspense, relief, or fulfillment
  • Helps convey the intended emotional character or mood of the music
• Effective use of cadences demonstrates a composer's skill in crafting a coherent and engaging musical journey for the listener