Phrygian cadence

noun

A type of imperfect cadence frequently found in Baroque compositions. The gesture consists of a iv⁶–V final cadence in the minor mode at the end of a slow movement or slow introduction. It implies that a fast movement is to follow without pause, generally in the same key.

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Meanings

nounPhrygian cadence (plural Phrygian cadences)

plural Phrygian cadences

  1. entertainmentA type of imperfect cadence frequently found in Baroque compositions. The gesture consists of a iv⁶–V final cadence in the minor mode at the end of a slow movement or slow introduction. It implies that a fast movement is to follow without pause, generally in the same key.
Cite this entry
APA

Phrygian cadence. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Phrygian%20cadence

MLA

“Phrygian cadence.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Phrygian%20cadence. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Phrygian cadence,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Phrygian%20cadence.

Source: Phrygian cadence on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.