Deceptive cadence

A deceptive cadence is a musical term referring to a situation where a piece of music leads the listener to expect a resolution to a certain chord, typically a dominant chord, but instead resolves to a different chord, usually a minor chord. This creates a surprise or unexpected turn in the music, making it sound less conclusive. It adds emotional depth and interest, as it subverts the listener's expectations, often leading to a continuation or development of the musical theme rather than a final conclusion. This technique is commonly used in various musical genres to enhance expression and complexity.