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Glossary Music / Term

Feminine cadence

Usually the final chord of a cadence falls on an accented beat. Sometimes, to soften the effect of the cadence, the final chord is placed on an unaccented beat. This cadence is then called a feminine (perfect, interrupted, etc.) cadence. The feminine cadence is preferred in Romantic styles. Beethoven uses it in his late-period works. Feminine cadence is a typical feature of the Polonaise.

Permanent link Feminine cadence - Creation date 2021-12-31


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