Cadential Extension: A musical technique that prolongs a cadence, delaying the resolution and heightening the tension within a piece.

Context and Significance

Cadential extensions are significant in music for their ability to manipulate the listener’s sense of resolution and anticipation. They are commonly used in classical compositions to enhance emotional expression and are particularly prevalent in orchestral and choral works. By prolonging the expected conclusion, composers create a more dramatic and engaging musical narrative, which is a hallmark in many symphonic movements and operatic scenes.

Historical Background

The concept of cadential extension has roots in the Baroque period, where composers began experimenting with extending phrases to create more elaborate musical forms. This technique gained prominence during the Classical and Romantic eras as composers sought greater emotional depth and structural complexity. Influential figures like Beethoven and Wagner utilized cadential extensions to push the boundaries of traditional harmonic progressions, adding layers of tension and release in their compositions.

Examples

In Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the use of cadential extension in the final movement creates a prolonged sense of anticipation before the triumphant resolution. Similarly, Wagner’s operas often employ this technique to draw out dramatic tension, as seen in “Tristan und Isolde,” where the resolution is deliberately delayed to heighten emotional impact. These examples showcase how cadential extensions are used to enrich the narrative flow of a piece.

Related Terms

Cadence: A sequence of chords signifying the end of a phrase.

Suspension: A note held over into a chord to create tension.

Harmonic Progression: A sequence of chords that establishes a tonal center.

« Back to Glossary Index