Section 1: Chapter 14 Cadences, Phrases, And Periods

Question 1

What is a cadence?

Answer 1

A cadence is a series of chords in a progression that indicate closure of a musical statement or phrase.

Question 2

Identify the two types of authentic cadences?

Answer 2

Perfect authentic cadence And Imperfect authentic cadence

Question 3

What are authentic cadences?

Answer 3

Authentic cadences are identified by the V or vii0 moving to the tonic at a cadential point. The movement of the V can be in root position, seen as an inversion, or it can contain the leading tone.

Question 4

What is a perfect authentic cadence?

Answer 4

The PAC is a type of authentic cadence found at the end of a musical statement (phrase). With most musical works ending with the PAC, it is considered the most final-sounding of all of the cadences. It can be identified as a V – I (or V7) progression.

Question 5

What are the three requirements for a perfect authentic cadence?

Answer 5

 The V (or V7) must be used.  The V – I progression must be in root position.  The tonic of the I needs to be presented in the melody.

Question 6

What is an imperfect authentic cadence?

Answer 6

C gives a feeling of finality, but not as much as the PAC. As a rule, the IAC is very useful in ending musical statements in the middle of sections as opposed to at the end of a section or composition.

Question 7

What are the guiding principles that help differentiate a IAC from a PAC?

Answer 7

The vii0 – I progression is used instead of the V – I. One of the chords is an inversion. When looking at the final I chord, the tonic is not found in the soprano/melody line.

Question 8

What is a half cadence?

Answer 8

A half cadence is a type of unstable or progressive cadence (Kostka, 147). Typically found at the end of phrases, the HC creates a momentary pause in the music and leaves the listener with the sensation that the music should continue. Sometimes HCs are used in compositions where musicians are performing call and answer statements.

Question 9

What are characteristics of a half cadence?

Answer 9

 The HC will be located at the end of a phrase.  The HC will end with the V chord.  The HC can be preceded by any other chord.

Question 10

What is a deceptive cadence?

Answer 10

A Deceptive Cadence is, “a cadence that results when the ear expects a V-I authentic cadence but hears V-?. The “?” is usually a submediant triad, but there are other possibilities.” (Kostka, 147)

Question 11

What is the best way to write a deceptive cadence?

Answer 11

The best way to write a DC is to set up an authentic cadence by strongly approaching the V chord. The dominant (or V) has a strong tendency to move to the tonic, which results in the listener beginning to hear finality while the music continues on.

• Set up the authentic cadence using a strong approach to the V.
• Common practice is to use the submediant (vi). The vi is closely related to the tonic and will fit well.
• When writing using the vi, be aware of voicing rules.
• After the DC only extend the musical statement only a few more measures. We still want to move to the tonic.

Question 12

What are some guidelines for writing a deceptive cadence?

Answer 12

-Set up the authentic cadence using a strong approach to the V. -Common practice is to use the submediant (vi). The vi is closely related to the tonic and will fit well. -When writing using the vi, be aware of voicing rules. -After the DC only extend the musical statement only a few more measures. We still want to move to the tonic

Question 13

What is a plagal cadence?

Answer 13

The PC is commonly referred to as the “Amen” cadence. It is referred to as such because this type of cadence is typically found in many traditional church hymns. The PC offers finality, but not as strongly as an authentic cadence.

Question 14

What are the guidelines for writing a plagal cadence?

Answer 14

-Occurs when a subdominant functioning chord passes directly to the tonic at the end of a phrase. -The PC can be identified as a IV – I cadence. -The PC is usually found at the very end of a composition. -The PC is typically preceded by a perfect authentic cadence.

Question 15

What is a plagal half cadence?

Answer 15

The PH cadence is a rare cadence in that it is considered weak, because it offers little closure or finality. As such, it is generally not good practice to use the PH at the end of musical works. It can be used as a technique to offer some variety within call and answer statements. The PH can be identified as a IV – I progression.

Question 16

What is a motive?

Answer 16

A motive is the smallest musical idea that can be distinctly identified. A motive can have a pitch, a rhythmic element, or a combination of both.

Question 17

What is a phrase?

Answer 17

A phrase is an independent musical idea concluded by a cadence. Phrases can be settled passively, by deceptive or half cadences, or by a more definite progression, such as an authentic cadence. Phases are typically grouped in 4 measures.

Question 18

What is a period in music?

Answer 18

A period is two well-constructed phrases put together. These can be constructed in a sort of call and answer style, where one part of the phrase asks a question and the following part answers.