What are the differences between the four types of cadence?
A perfect cadence is chords V-I. When there is a perfect cadence the music sounds finished.
An imperfect cadence is any chord moving to V (e.g. I-V, II-V, IV-V). The music does not sound finished.
An interrupted cadence is chords V-VI. These chords sound as though they are about to be a perfect cadence (i.e. end up on chord I) but end up moving to chord VI.
A plagal cadence is chords IV-I. It is known as sounding like an 'Amen' chord due to its prominence in religious choral music.
SH
Related Music GCSE answers
All answers ▸What important things should one consider when writing a melody?
Describe how the opening of Stravinsky’s 'Symphony of Psalms Movement III' sets a religious atmosphere within a secular symphonic genre
What was the role of the basso continuo in Baroque music?
Describe how dynamics are used effectively in 20th century music.