Cadence

A cadence is the end of the phrase that provides some sort of resolution.

• a cadence is characterized by its degree of strength or weakness, depending on the impression of finality it gives.

Cadences are strong indicators of the tonic or central pitch of a passage or piece.

Cadences are usually classified by a specific chord progression, but even if that progression is played, it doesn't necessarily imply a cadence. To be a cadence, it must occur at the end of a phrase and provide some sense of finality.

• ex. an Authentic Cadence is V-I, but that doesn't mean every time those 2 chords are played it is a cadence.

Authentic Cadence (V-I)

A seventh above the root is often added to create V⁷

Authentic cadences are generally classified as either perfect or imperfect.

• perfect (PAC) - the chords are in root position and the tonic is in the highest voice of the final chord.
  • considered the strongest type of cadence and often found at structurally defining moments.
• imperfect (IAC) - of which there are 3 types:
  • Root position: Similar to a perfect authentic cadence, but the highest voice is not the tonic.
  • Inverted: Similar to a perfect authentic cadence, but one or both chords are inverted.
  • Leading-tone: The V chord is replaced with the vii° chord (but the cadence still ends on I).

"This cadence is a microcosm of the tonal system, and is the most direct means of establishing a pitch as tonic. It is virtually obligatory as the final structural cadence of a tonal work."

Plagal Cadence (IV-I)

• Also the IV-iv-I variant

As well as root movement that descends by a perfect fourth, the Plagal cadence features '6-5' and '4-3' inner voice movement, formulae that merely reflect the whole and half-step descents into the 5th and 3rd of the tonic, respectively, as the chords shift.

Andalusian Cadence (i-♭VII-♭VI-V)

Examples

• Good Vibrations