kadenzartige

Kadenzartige is a term used in music theory to describe passages that imitate or evoke a cadence without forming a formal cadence themselves. The designation highlights cadential character or rhetorical closure within a larger, ongoing phrase or section, rather than a complete end point.

Harmonic and melodic features commonly associated with kadenzartige passages include a motion toward the dominant or a prolongation of the dominant area, often accompanied by a cadential gesture or figure. The music may approach a cadence-like point—such as a cadential 6/4 or a strong dominant emphasis—yet the harmony continues beyond this moment, delaying actual resolution to tonic. Rhythmic punctuation, a brief pause, or a perceived pull toward a cadence can contribute to the effect without delivering a formal cadence.

Function and context: kadenzartige passages serve to create momentum, signal transitions, or guide listeners with a sense of arrival, while maintaining forward motion in the music. The concept is used in analysis to describe structural moments that resemble cadences but are not terminal endpoints. It appears across styles and periods, including classical and romantic repertoires, and can also occur in more contemporary contexts where composers exploit cadential expectations for dramaturgical purposes.

In contrast to a true cadence, a kadenzartige moment provides cadence-like coloration without final resolution. Analysts use the term to discuss how composers balance closure and continuation within phrases, enhancing the perception of structure without interrupting musical development.