Editing Cadence (section)

===Rhythmic classifications===

Cadences can also be classified by their rhythmic position:

* A metrically accented cadence has its final note in a metrically strong position, typically the [[Beat (music)#Downbeat and upbeat|downbeat]] of a [[bar (music)|measure]].
* A metrically unaccented cadence has its final note in a metrically weak position, for instance, after a long [[appoggiatura]].

Metrically accented cadences are considered stronger and are generally of greater structural significance. In the past, the terms ''masculine'' and ''feminine'' were sometimes used to describe rhythmically "strong" or "weak" cadences, but these terms have not been generally used since at least the mid-1980s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Piston |first1=Walter |last2=DeVoto |first2=Mark |title=Harmony |date=1987 |publisher=W. W. Norton |location=New York |isbn=0- 393-95480-3 |page=181 |edition=5th |quote=The definitions just given are offered in this book instead of ''masculine cadence'' and ''feminine cadence'' respectively, terms that are no longer used.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
  | last = Society for Music Theory
  | author-link = Society for Music Theory
  | title = Guidelines for Nonsexist Language
  | publisher = [[Western Michigan University]]
  | date = 1996-06-06
  | url = http://www.wmich.edu/mus-theo/nsl.html
  | access-date = 2008-07-19}}</ref> [[Susan McClary]] has written extensively on the gendered terminology of music and music theory in her book ''Feminine Endings.''<ref>{{Cite book
  | last = McClary | first = Susan
  | author-link = Susan McClary
  | title = Feminism and Music
  | publisher = [[University of Minnesota Press]]
  | year = 2002
  | isbn = 0-8166-4189-7
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7waGip0qN6sC}}</ref>

The example below shows a metrically unaccented cadence (IV–V–I). The final chord is postponed to fall on a weak beat.<ref>[[Willi Apel|Apel, Willi]] (1970). ''Harvard Dictionary of Music''. cited in {{harvnb|McClary|2002|p=9}}.</ref>

{{block indent|<score sound="1" override_midi="Metrically_unaccented_perfect_authentic_cadence_in_C.mid">
   \new PianoStaff <<
      \new Staff <<
         \new Voice \relative c'' {
             \stemUp \clef treble \key c \major \time 4/4
             c2 b^~ b4 c2.
             }
         \new Voice \relative c' {
             \stemDown
              f2 d_~ d4 e2.
              }
            >>
     \new Staff <<
         \new Voice \relative c' {
             \stemUp \clef bass \key c \major \time 4/4
             a2 g^~ g4 g2.
             }
         \new Voice \relative c, {
             \stemDown
             f2 g_~ g4 c2. \bar "||"
             }
         >>
    >>
</score>}}