Music Term
What is a coda?
Definition
A coda is a concluding section of a piece of music -- typically distinct from the main structural sections -- that provides a sense of finality and closure.
Coda in music -- explained
From the Italian for 'tail', a coda comes after the main form has concluded and adds additional material to finish the piece. It might restate the main theme one final time, extend the final chord or cadence for dramatic effect, or introduce completely new material as a conclusion. In classical sonata form, the coda follows the recapitulation and is often Beethoven's most dramatic invention -- his codas expanded from brief tailpieces to entire substantial sections that reinterpret the whole movement. In pop music, codas can be extended instrumental outros, a cappella vocal moments, or fade-outs (a form of coda that became dominant in radio editing after the 1950s). The fade-out is arguably a deferred coda -- the music could in theory continue, so the fading signal gives an implied rather than actual ending. Hard endings in contemporary pop are sometimes called 'cold endings' to distinguish them from fade-outs.
Notable examples of a coda
Hey Jude -- The Beatles
The na-na-na coda runs for over four minutes -- longer than the song proper -- becoming the emotional centrepiece.
American Pie -- Don McLean
The final coda strips back to acoustic guitar and voice, returning to the song's intimate origin after epic scale.
Bohemian Rhapsody -- Queen
The brief coda (the fade of 'any way the wind blows') lands as a whispered final breath after six minutes of drama.
Related music terms
Frequently asked questions
- What is a coda in music?
- A coda is a concluding section of a piece of music -- typically distinct from the main structural sections -- that provides a sense of finality and closure.
- What is an example of a coda?
- A well-known example is Hey Jude by The Beatles: The na-na-na coda runs for over four minutes -- longer than the song proper -- becoming the emotional centrepiece.
- How is a coda used in music?
- From the Italian for 'tail', a coda comes after the main form has concluded and adds additional material to finish the piece. It might restate the main theme one final time, extend the final chord or cadence for dramatic effect, or introduce completely new material as a conclusion.
Rate and review albums on Goat Music
Apply what you know. Score every album on a 1-100 scale and build your music taste profile.