deceptive cadence

noun

, Music.

1. a cadence consisting of a dominant harmony followed by a resolution to a harmony other than the tonic.

Example Sentences

Deceptive Cadence — This refers to times that the music seems to lead up to a cadence, but then doesn't actually land on the expected tonic, and also often does not bring the expected pause in the music.

From Literature

False Cadence — Same as deceptive cadence.

From Literature

Interrupted Cadence — Same as deceptive cadence.

From Literature

Ralph’s accompaniment is as spare as a prison cell: A lone piano, sounding naked notes with the occasional deceptive cadence.

From Los Angeles Times

NPR’s Deceptive Cadence blog on “l’affaire marimbaire.”

From Slate