Intro to Music Theory Unit 8 ReviewHarmonic Progressions I: Basic Cadences

Key Concepts

• Harmonic progression refers to the sequence of chords used in a musical composition
• Cadences are specific chord progressions that create a sense of resolution or tension at the end of a musical phrase
• Common cadence types include authentic (perfect and imperfect), plagal, deceptive, and half cadences
• Harmonic analysis involves identifying the chords and cadences used in a piece of music
• Composing with cadences involves using specific chord progressions to create desired musical effects and emotions
• Listening for cadences helps develop ear training skills and the ability to recognize harmonic patterns in music
• Practice exercises reinforce understanding of cadences and their applications in musical composition and analysis

Chord Progressions Basics

• Chord progressions are sequences of chords played in a specific order to create a harmonic foundation for a musical composition
• Chords are built on scale degrees, with the most common being I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, and vii°
• The most basic chord progression is I-IV-V-I, which is commonly used in popular music genres (blues, rock, country)
• Chord progressions can be described using Roman numerals to represent the scale degree of each chord
  • Uppercase numerals (I, IV, V) indicate major chords
  • Lowercase numerals (ii, iii, vi) indicate minor chords
  • Diminished chords are represented with a degree symbol (vii°)
• The harmonic rhythm of a progression refers to the rate at which the chords change
• Chord inversions can be used to create smooth voice leading between chords in a progression

Common Cadence Types

• Authentic cadences move from the V chord to the I chord, creating a strong sense of resolution
  • Perfect authentic cadences (PAC) end with the I chord in root position and the melody on the tonic
  • Imperfect authentic cadences (IAC) end with the I chord in an inversion or the melody on a non-tonic note
• Plagal cadences move from the IV chord to the I chord, creating a sense of "amen" resolution (common in hymns and church music)
• Deceptive cadences move from the V chord to a chord other than I (often vi), creating a sense of surprise or tension
• Half cadences end on the V chord, creating a sense of incomplete resolution and anticipation
• Phrygian half cadences move from the iv6 chord to the V chord, common in Baroque and Classical music
• Cadential 6/4 chords are used to prolong the dominant harmony before a cadence, often appearing as a I64 chord before the V-I progression

Harmonic Analysis

• Harmonic analysis involves identifying the chords and cadences used in a piece of music
• To analyze a chord progression, assign Roman numerals to each chord based on its scale degree and quality
• Identify cadences by looking for specific chord progressions at the ends of phrases (V-I, IV-I, V-vi)
• Use figured bass symbols to indicate chord inversions and non-chord tones
  • 6 indicates a first inversion chord
  • 64 indicates a second inversion chord
  • 7 indicates a seventh chord
• Analyze the harmonic rhythm to determine the rate of chord changes and its relationship to the melody and meter
• Consider the context and style of the piece when interpreting the harmonic analysis

Composing with Cadences

• Use cadences to create a sense of structure and resolution in musical compositions
• Place perfect authentic cadences at the end of a piece or major sections to provide a strong sense of closure
• Use imperfect authentic cadences or deceptive cadences to create tension and prolong the resolution
• Employ half cadences to create a sense of anticipation or to transition between sections
• Use plagal cadences to create a sense of peaceful resolution, particularly in religious or folk music
• Experiment with different cadence types and placements to create varied emotional effects and maintain listener interest
• Consider the harmonic rhythm and its relationship to the melody and meter when composing with cadences

Listening Examples

• Bach's "Air on the G String" features a perfect authentic cadence at the end of each phrase, creating a sense of balance and resolution
• Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" uses a deceptive cadence in the first movement to create tension and surprise
• Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" employs a series of perfect authentic cadences to create a strong sense of finality and triumph
• Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor" uses a Phrygian half cadence to create a sense of longing and melancholy
• The Beatles' "Hey Jude" features a plagal cadence at the end of the chorus, creating a sense of comfort and reassurance
• John Williams' "Star Wars" theme uses a half cadence to create a sense of anticipation and heroism
• Analyze the use of cadences in various musical genres and styles to develop a deeper understanding of their emotional and structural effects

Practice Exercises

• Identify the cadence types in given musical excerpts
• Compose short chord progressions using specific cadence types
• Analyze the harmonic structure of a piece of music, identifying chords, cadences, and harmonic rhythm
• Transpose a chord progression to a different key
• Reharmonize a melody using different chord progressions and cadences
• Improvise melodies over a given chord progression, emphasizing the resolution points created by cadences
• Collaborate with peers to create original compositions that demonstrate effective use of cadences and harmonic progressions

Advanced Applications

• Study the use of cadences in different musical styles and genres (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, jazz, pop)
• Analyze the relationship between cadences and musical form, such as binary, ternary, and sonata form
• Explore the use of non-diatonic chords and chromatic harmony in cadences (Neapolitan sixth, augmented sixth chords)
• Study the use of cadences in modulation and key changes
• Analyze the emotional and psychological effects of different cadence types in film and video game music
• Investigate the use of cadences in non-Western musical traditions (Indian classical music, Middle Eastern music)
• Apply knowledge of cadences and harmonic progressions to music production, arranging, and remixing techniques