A phrase ends with V and I, both in root position, with the soprano on scale degree 1. What type of cadence is this?
AImperfect authentic cadence
BPerfect authentic cadence
CPlagal cadence
DHalf cadence
A perfect authentic cadence (PAC) requires all three conditions: V–I motion, both chords in root position, and the soprano ending on the tonic. Here all three are met. If any one condition were missing — say, V were in first inversion, or the soprano ended on scale degree 3 — it would be an imperfect authentic cadence instead. This distinction matters in formal analysis.
Question 2 True / False
A deceptive cadence is an error in voice-leading because the dominant chord fails to resolve to the expected tonic.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
A deceptive cadence is not an error — it is an intentional compositional technique. By resolving V to vi instead of I, the composer subverts the listener's expectation to extend a phrase or delay final resolution. Bach and Classical composers use it deliberately as an expressive tool. The 'deception' is the point, not a problem to be fixed.
Question 3 Short Answer
What does a half cadence communicate to the listener, and how does this differ from the effect of a perfect authentic cadence?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: A half cadence ends on V, creating a feeling of suspension or incompleteness — like a question left unanswered. It demands continuation. A perfect authentic cadence ends on I with maximum closure, functioning like a period at the end of a sentence. The half cadence is like a comma: it signals a pause, not an ending.
Cadences are the punctuation of tonal music. Understanding their relative closure-strength lets you predict phrase structure: a half cadence typically appears at the end of an antecedent phrase, with the consequent phrase delivering the authentic cadence. This question targets functional understanding rather than mere memorization of names.