Which term describes a progression that concludes a musical phrase?

Enhance your preparation for the Illinois Music Content Area Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The term that describes a progression which concludes a musical phrase is "cadence." A cadence serves as a point of rest or resolution in music, giving the listener a sense of closure at the end of a phrase. This can be likened to punctuation in written language, indicating where a musical sentence comes to an end.

Cadences can take different forms—some sound final and conclusive, while others may lead to further musical development. However, they are fundamental in establishing the structure and emotional direction of a piece. Other terms in the list refer to broader concepts in music: a verse typically represents a section of a song with lyrics, melody pertains to the sequence of notes that make up a tune, and harmony relates to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously. None of these terms specifically address the idea of concluding a musical phrase in the way that "cadence" does.

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