Cadential

/kəˈdɛnʃəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving a cadence, especially in music where it describes harmonic endings or resolutions.

Etymology

From 'cadence' with the adjective suffix '-ial,' creating a technical musical term. Used primarily in music theory and analysis.

Kelly Says

Musicians hear cadential moments as 'punctuation marks'—a perfect cadence acts like a period, a plagal cadence like a comma, and a deceptive cadence like an exclamation point that breaks your expectations.

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