In
music, a
chord progression signifying the end of a
passage,
movement, or
idea (including the end of an entire
song/
piece). A popular cadence is the
amen cadence, usually played at the end of
hymns. It is written IV-I, or a four-chord resolving to the tonic.
Types of Cadences:
Authentic Cadence: (V-I) or (V-i)
The authentic cadence has two versions: Perfect and Imperfect. A perfect authentic cadence is an authentic cadence in root position (tonic in the bass of both chords). An imperfect authentic cadence is an authentic cadence not in root position (I.E.: inversions of one or both chords)
Plagal Cadence: IV-I or iv-i
The plagal cadence is also known as the "amen" cadence. It is often played at the end of hmyns.
The variations (IV-I or iv-i) depend upon the key being major or minor
Half Cadence: does not resolve
The Half Cadence is called that because it offers no completion. It cannot end a passage, but usually acts as a pause in the music. Commonly a I6/4-V progression.
Deceptive Cadence: V-vi
The Deceptive Cadence is just that: deceptive. The transfer to a vi chord sounds like it is resolving to a tonic, but it really isn't. This is effective for fluent key-changes.