cadential

[ key-den-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a musical cadence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadential¹

1875–80; cadence, -ial; modeled on substance, substantial

Example Sentences

It has a slithering, cascading finale, with a coda that ends with a cadential sequence Beethoven might have been proud of.

From New York Times

The aria concludes with the thrice-repeated cadential tag, “Vincero!” meaning “I will win!”

From Time

Twice in the opening movement Mendelssohn quotes the “Dresden Amen” — a choral cadential figure devised by the 18th-century composer Johann Gottlieb Naumann and also used prominently by Wagner in “Parsifal” — as a sort of benediction to introduce the main theme.

From New York Times

But whether performed beautifully by Andres, brilliantly by Watkins, lovingly by Muhly or endearingly by Glass himself, all artistry was mercilessly trampled over by the grinding gear-changes and endless, artless cadential sequences.

From The Guardian

But Thomas Crawford, the orchestra’s music director, chose to lead them more or less passively from the harpsichord, flagging the occasional cadential slowdown.

From New York Times