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Table of Contents
Cadence Meaning and Definition #1: Regulating the Flow of Sound
Do you want to know the definition and meaning of the word “cadence?” How does it differ in language vs music? Candence in music and language both have to do with regulating the flow of sound. However, even though the definitions are related, they’re not the same. Keep reading Cadence Meaning and Definition (Examples for Music and Language) to learn more.
This article uses literary and musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Cadence Meaning and Definition #2: How Is It Used in Language?
Cadence meaning and definition for language:
- The voice’s inflection that establishes the musical flow of the words.
In other words, it’s the rise and fall of pitch in the poet’s speech pattern, and it’s frequently affected by the language’s stress and rhythmic timing.
- It gives speech a melodic quality. For example, ending a sentence with a rising inflection indicates that a question is being asked. However, a falling inflection indicates a statement.
- However, it goes beyond this simple example to have a subtle impact on the listener’s emotions.
- In addition, cadence helps poets to establish the meter and “musical” feel of a poem’s words.
For example:
When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy’s been swinging them.
But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay…
– Birches (Robert Frost)
In the next section, you’ll see that music also uses cadence to shape sound. However, it does it in a very different way.
Cadence Meaning and Definition #3: How is the Term Most Often Used in Music?
Video: Whitney Houston and the Star Spangled Banner
Cadence meaning and definition for music:
- A cadence happens in the places in the music where there’s a point of repose.
“A point of what?”
- A point of repose refers to the locations where the melody pauses at phrase endings.
- The musical phrases will usually line up with the phrases in the lyrics, which is why vocalists take breaths at phrase endings.
- Watch the video of Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner. You can see that the end of each phrase in the lyrics also ends the musical phrase – the point of repose.
It goes beyond just the point of repose and into the deeper musical structure:
- In the example below, the melody ends on the tonic note, which is the root of the I chord in the key of D.
- Also, notice that the density of the notes thins out at the end, and that some notes get held longer.
- Both factors work to make the cadence sound like the music is coming to a stopping point.
There are many kinds of cadences:
- Antecedent and Consequent Phrases: Also known as question and answer phrases, antecedent and consequent phrases work together to regulate the flow of the music. Antecedent phrases make the music feel like it should keep going, while consequent phrases (like the melody below) will give a sense of completion.
- Plagal: This phrase ending type is ancient and now only exists at the end of hymns – at the place you sing “Amen.”
- Deceptive: In a deceptive cadence the phrase ends on a vi chord, which is often used to extend phrases because it doesn’t have the same level of finality as the I chord.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Phrase Ending:
Cadence Meaning and Definition #4: Does it Have Another Meaning in Music?
Here is the other music cadence meaning and definition:
- The rhythmic flow of the music through the beat and meter.
This is often seen in military and military influenced music.
- Military cadences are normally used by sergeants during physical training (see the first video below).
- Also, it can be found in marching and concert band music, which grew out of military style music.
- For example, in marching band music you have drum cadences (see the second video below).
Video: Military Cadences
Video: Drum Cadences
Cadence Meaning and Definition #5: Final Thoughts
Here’s a summary of Cadence Meaning and Definition (Examples for Music and Language):
- Cadence shapes sound in both language and music.
- In language, it refers to the inflection, stress, and rhythm of the words.
- In music, it refers to the place where a phrase reaches a point of repose.
- Also, it has deeper structural implications for music.
- In addition, marching bands have music called cadences.
Related Posts:
- The Music of Words in Your Songwriting
- How Can I Learn the Basics of Music Theory?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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