Cadences

/ˈkeɪdənsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cadence; rhythmic patterns, falls in tone, or harmonic resolutions in music and speech.

Etymology

From Latin 'cadentia,' meaning 'falling,' originally used in music to describe how phrases fall and resolve. The term expanded to describe any rhythmic pattern.

Kelly Says

A perfect cadence in music creates such a predictable sense of ending that our brains actually expect it—composers break this rule to surprise and delight listeners.

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