Modal Cadence: A musical resolution that occurs within modal harmony, providing closure to a musical phrase by utilizing modes rather than the traditional major or minor scales.

Context and Significance

Modal cadences play a crucial role in music by offering a unique form of resolution outside the conventional major-minor framework. They are commonly used in genres like Renaissance music, jazz, and folk, where modal harmony is prevalent. These cadences allow composers and performers to explore alternative tonal landscapes, creating distinct moods and emotions. In jazz, for instance, modal cadences can lead to unexpected yet satisfying musical conclusions, enhancing the improvisational nature of the genre.

Historical Background

Modal cadences have their roots in early Western music, particularly during the Medieval and Renaissance periods, when modal systems were the foundation of musical composition. The use of modes predates the widespread adoption of the major-minor tonal system. Composers like Palestrina and Josquin des Prez frequently employed modal cadences in their works, which later influenced the development of modal jazz in the 20th century, as artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane explored modal frameworks.

Examples

An example of a modal cadence can be found in the Renaissance choral work “Ave Maria” by Josquin des Prez, where modal harmony provides a serene resolution. In jazz, Miles Davis’s “So What” showcases modal cadences that offer a fresh, exploratory sound, contrasting with more predictable chord progressions. These examples highlight the versatility and expressive potential of modal cadences across different musical contexts.

Related Terms

Plagal Cadence: A harmonic resolution often referred to as the “Amen cadence.”

Authentic Cadence: A traditional V-I progression that provides a strong sense of closure.

Deceptive Cadence: A cadence that creates surprise by resolving to an unexpected chord.

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