Cadences

Question 1

Perfect Cadence (N5 Melody/Harmony)

Answer 1

A musical “full stop”

Uses chords V-I and will always sound finished

• Key of C: G - C
• Key of F: C - F
• Key of G: D - G
• Key of A: E- A

Question 2

Imperfect Cadence (N5 Melody/Harmony)

Answer 2

A musical “comma”

In an imperfect cadence the last chord is chord V creating an unfinished effect

In the key of C this would be the chord of G

Question 3

Plagal Cadence (Melody/Harmony)

Answer 3

Known as the “Amen” cadence

A plagal cadence is chords IV - I (4 - 1). In the key of C major, chords F to C would make a plagal cadence

Question 4

Interrupted Cadence (Melody/Harmony)

Answer 4

An interrupted cadence is usually formed by the chords V - VI. (In the key of C major, chords G to A minor). This creates an ending which can sound unfinished - where the listener is surprised that the music has drawn to a close