Music theory · Musical terms · Theory concepts
Perfect cadence — meaning in music
Perfect cadence is a musical term meaning V → I — sounds finished. It is a theory concepts marking, first tested at Grade 3 in ABRSM, AMEB and Trinity music theory exams. From that grade on, every written paper expects you to know it on sight.
Definition
V → I — sounds finished
Theory conceptsFirst tested: Grade 3
Translations
| French | V → I — semble terminé |
|---|---|
| German | V → I – klingt fertig |
| Italian | V → I: sembra finito |
| Spanish | V → I — suena terminado |
| Chinese | V → I — 听起来完成 |
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All theory concepts terms
AllemandeAlto rangeAnacrusisAnswer phraseArcoBar lineBass clefBass rangeBinary formBourréeCello clefCello rangeChromatic semitoneCompound intervalCouranteCrotchet (US name)DemisemiquaverDiatonic semitoneDominantDominant (degree)Double bar lineDouble bass clefDouble flat (𝄫)Double sharp (𝄪)Doubling ruleDupletFinal bar lineFlatGavotteGigueHarmonic minor scaleImperfect cadenceInterrupted cadenceInversion of a 3rdInversion of a 4thInversion of a 5thLeading noteLeger lineMediantMelodic minor scale (ascending)Melodic minor scale (descending)Minim (US name)MinuetModulate to the dominantModulate to the relative minorModulationNaturalNatural minor scaleParallel 5thsParallel 8vesPerfect cadencePivot chordPizzicatoPlagal cadenceQuaver (US name)Question phraseReal sequenceRelative minor of C majorRelative minor of F majorRelative minor of G majorRepeat signSarabandeSemibreve (US name)Semiquaver (US name)SemitoneSequenceSharpSlurSoprano rangeStave (staff)SubdominantSubdominant (degree)SubmediantSupertonicTenor rangeTernary formTieTonal sequenceToneTonicTonic (degree)Treble clefTripletViola clefViola rangeViolin clefViolin rangeVoice crossingVoice overlap