plagal cadence

English

Noun

plagal cadence (plural plagal cadences)

1. (music) A falling cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic; especially used in an ending Amen.

   Synonym: amen cadence

   • 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage, published 2007, page 230:

     A fellow could rely on Market Street only so far, and then even that began to get discouraging, plagal cadences on parlor pianos, bright lights, and mirrors to the contrary notwithstanding.

Translations

cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic

• French: cadence plagale f
• German: plagale Kadenz f
• Icelandic: kirkjuendir m
• Italian: cadenza plagale f

See also

• deceptive cadence