cadential
theorykuh-DEN-shul
Relating to a cadence — the harmonic resolution at the end of a phrase.
A cadential passage is one that functions as an ending or point of arrival. The cadential six-four chord (a second-inversion tonic chord preceding the dominant) is one of the most common harmonic formulas in classical music, signalling that a phrase is about to conclude.
Cadential patterns are the punctuation marks of tonal music. A perfect cadential progression (V-I) is a full stop. A half cadence (ending on V) is a comma. A deceptive cadence (V-vi) is a question mark. Learning to hear and use cadential patterns is fundamental to both composition and analysis.
The cadential six-four chord appears so reliably before final cadences in Classical music that experienced listeners can predict the end of a phrase bars before it arrives.