Authentic, Plagal, Deceptive, and Other Musical Cadences

Musical Cadences: Authentic, Plagal, Deceptive, and More

Musical cadences are harmonic tools that provide a sense of closure, rest, or surprise within a chord progression. Each type of cadence has its own character and use, influencing how a piece feels to the listener. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common types of cadences: authentic, plagal, deceptive, and other variants.

What is a Cadence?

In musical terms, a cadence is a succession of chords used to create a sense of resolution or pause at the end of a musical phrase or section. Think of it as a “breathing point” in the music, where the harmony either stabilizes or builds tension, setting up the next section.

Types of Cadences

Authentic Cadence

The authentic cadence is the most common and is considered a conclusive cadence. Its basic structure is a move from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic chord (I).

• Perfect Cadence: Occurs when the dominant chord (V) resolves to the tonic (I) in root position, with both voices ending on the tonic note. This cadence provides a strong sense of resolution.

  • Example in C major: G (V) → C (I)

• Imperfect Cadence: Here, the dominant chord (V) might be in an inversion, and the resolution to the tonic is not as strong as in the perfect cadence.

  • Example: G7 (V7) → C (I), but with the bass on another note.

Plagal Cadence

The plagal cadence is a progression from IV to I, often referred to as the “church cadence” because of its frequent use in hymns and sacred music.

• Characteristics: Less conclusive than the authentic cadence, it provides a gentle sense of rest, often used to close phrases or sections without a firm resolution.
  • Example in C major: F (IV) → C (I)

Deceptive Cadence

The deceptive cadence (also called the “interrupted cadence”) occurs when a V-I resolution is expected, but instead, it resolves to a different chord, often the vi (relative minor).

• Effect: This cadence creates a sense of surprise or “deception,” ideal for moments when you want to break the listener’s expectations.
  • Example in C major: G (V) → Am (vi)

Half Cadence

The half cadence ends on the dominant chord (V) instead of resolving to the tonic, creating a feeling of pause or anticipation without complete resolution.

• Characteristics: Commonly used in intermediate phrases to give continuity to the music without concluding it.
  • Example in C major: Dm (ii) → G (V)

Picardy Third

The Picardy third cadence appears in minor pieces, resolving on a major chord instead of the expected minor chord.

• Effect: Adds a “bright” or unexpected touch at the end of a minor piece.
  • Example in A minor: Instead of resolving Am (i) → Em (V), it ends on A major (I).

Examples of Songs and Cadences

Applying Cadences in Different Genres

1. Authentic Cadence in Pop and Rock: The perfect authentic cadence is common in songs that end with a clear sense of closure, providing a definite finish.

2. Plagal Cadence in Ballads: This cadence is common in ballads and softer songs, giving the music a gentle, relaxed ending.

3. Deceptive Cadence in Jazz: Used to add complexity and surprise in progressions that aim to keep the music moving.

4. Picardy Third in Classical Music: A Baroque-era device that adds interest to the end of a minor piece, bringing a surprisingly cheerful resolution.

Tips for Practicing Cadences

1. Listen to Different Cadences: Identifying cadences in various songs will help you understand their effects. Try to detect whether a phrase ends with an authentic, plagal, or deceptive cadence.

2. Play in Different Keys: Practice cadences in multiple keys to get used to the feelings each one generates.

3. Use Cadences in Compositions: Experiment with adding cadences in your own compositions to see how you can guide the music toward different resolutions or create surprises.

4. Play with the Deceptive Cadence: To add surprise to your progressions, try using the deceptive cadence at key change points or climactic moments in a song.

Conclusion

Cadences are an essential element in music theory and composition, shaping the harmonic structure and direction of a piece. Learning to use different types of cadences will enrich your playing and composing, helping you create tension, resolution, or surprise in your progressions. Start practicing and experimenting with these cadences to bring more depth to your music!