Definition & Meaning of "coda"

Coda

NOUN

the final passage of an extended musical composition

What is a "coda"?

A coda is a concluding section added to the end of a musical composition or movement. It serves to bring the piece to a finish, often by revisiting themes or ideas from earlier in the music and providing a final resolution. The coda is typically distinct from the main sections and can be shorter or more elaborate, depending on the piece. It helps to give a sense of closure and completeness to the composition.

Example

The symphony concluded with a powerful coda, bringing the piece to a dramatic and satisfying close.

In the final movement, the composer introduced a lively coda that recapitulated the main themes with a new, exhilarating twist.

As the orchestra reached the coda, the conductor emphasized the dynamics, guiding the musicians to a thrilling and emphatic finish.

the final part of a syllable, occurring after the nucleus

What is a "coda"?

A coda is the final part of a syllable that follows the nucleus, which is typically the vowel sound. The coda consists of one or more consonants that can occur at the end of a syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the coda is the "t" sound, while in "stand," the coda includes the "nd" sounds. Codas play an important role in syllable structure and can affect the pronunciation and rhythm of speech. Understanding codas helps in analyzing how syllables are formed and how they function within words in different languages.