Imperfect Authentic Cadence

Definition

An imperfect authentic cadence is a type of musical cadence that occurs when a dominant chord resolves to a tonic chord but lacks the full closure typically associated with an authentic cadence. It often involves a voicing that does not include the root of the tonic chord in the highest voice or may have an inversion of the tonic chord, leading to a sense of unfinished resolution. This creates a feeling of suspense and invites further musical development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Imperfect authentic cadences commonly occur when the tonic chord is in an inversion, meaning the root is not the lowest note in the chord.
2. This type of cadence is often used to create tension and anticipation in a piece, making listeners expect further musical progression.
3. In an imperfect authentic cadence, one of the voices might move to a different pitch in the tonic chord, which can affect the overall sound and emotional impact.
4. A typical resolution for an imperfect authentic cadence is from V7 to I, where the seventh of the V7 chord resolves downward by step to the tonic note.
5. Imperfect authentic cadences can serve as important transitional moments within larger sections of music, leading smoothly into new phrases.

Review Questions

• How does an imperfect authentic cadence differ from a perfect authentic cadence in terms of voice leading?
  • An imperfect authentic cadence differs from a perfect authentic cadence mainly in its voicing and resolution. In a perfect authentic cadence, both the dominant (V) and tonic (I) chords are in root position, with the tonic note as the highest voice in the final chord. Conversely, in an imperfect authentic cadence, the tonic chord may be in an inversion or have a different note as the highest voice, leading to a less conclusive feeling and allowing for continued musical exploration.
• Discuss how an imperfect authentic cadence can influence the emotional character of a piece.
  • An imperfect authentic cadence can significantly influence the emotional character of a piece by creating tension and leaving listeners with an expectation for resolution. Unlike perfect authentic cadences that provide strong closure, imperfect cadences tend to evoke feelings of suspense or anticipation, which can shape how a listener engages with subsequent musical material. This creates dynamic contrast and adds depth to musical storytelling.
• Evaluate the role of imperfect authentic cadences in establishing phrase relationships within a composition.
  • Imperfect authentic cadences play a critical role in establishing phrase relationships within a composition by providing points of departure for new phrases or sections. By creating moments of unresolved tension, these cadences encourage movement into subsequent material while also defining boundaries between musical ideas. Their use can establish thematic continuity or contrast, thereby enhancing overall structural coherence and narrative flow throughout the piece.

Related terms

Authentic Cadence:

A harmonic progression from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I) that provides a strong sense of resolution and closure.

Voice Leading:

The smooth movement of individual musical lines or voices from one note to another, focusing on the relationships between pitches and chords.

Phrase:

A musical unit that expresses a complete thought, typically consisting of a sequence of notes and rhythms that convey an idea.