Plagal Cadence

Definition

A plagal cadence is a harmonic progression that typically moves from the subdominant chord (IV) to the tonic chord (I), often referred to as the 'Amen cadence' due to its frequent use in church music. This type of cadence offers a softer, more conclusive sound than other cadences, creating a sense of resolution that is integral to the structure of tonal music. Its role is vital in establishing tonality and functional harmony, especially in the context of religious and choral compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plagal cadences are often used at the end of hymns and liturgical music, reinforcing their association with sacred contexts.
2. In musical notation, a plagal cadence is represented by the movement from a IV chord to a I chord.
3. While plagal cadences provide resolution, they are generally perceived as less powerful than authentic cadences, which create a stronger sense of closure.
4. The use of plagal cadences became more prominent during the Baroque period as composers began to explore functional harmony more extensively.
5. Plagal cadences can create an emotional and reflective atmosphere, making them effective in compositions that aim to evoke spiritual feelings.

Review Questions

• How does a plagal cadence differ from an authentic cadence in terms of harmonic function?
  • A plagal cadence moves from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I), providing a softer resolution compared to an authentic cadence, which moves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I) for a stronger sense of closure. The harmonic function of an authentic cadence creates a more definitive ending, while a plagal cadence offers a gentler conclusion that can evoke different emotional responses in listeners. This distinction highlights how various cadences serve unique roles in music composition.
• Discuss the significance of plagal cadences in sacred music and their role in establishing functional harmony.
  • Plagal cadences hold significant importance in sacred music due to their frequent use at the ends of hymns and liturgical pieces. They contribute to functional harmony by establishing a sense of resolution that supports the tonal structure of a piece. This is particularly effective in creating a reflective atmosphere that aligns with spiritual themes, allowing composers to emphasize moments of closure within their works while maintaining an overall sense of flow.
• Evaluate how the use of plagal cadences evolved during the Baroque period and its impact on musical composition.
  • During the Baroque period, the exploration of functional harmony led to an increased use of plagal cadences as composers sought to develop more nuanced harmonic progressions. This evolution allowed for greater emotional expression and complexity within compositions, as plagal cadences provided alternative resolutions that differed from more dominant harmonic practices. The impact was profound, allowing for richer textures in music that catered not just to structural needs but also emotional and spiritual expressions, significantly influencing later musical styles.

Related terms

Tonic:

The first note or degree of a scale, serving as the home base or primary tone around which a piece of music is centered.

Subdominant: The fourth degree of the diatonic scale, which plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic movement toward the tonic.

Authentic Cadence: A strong harmonic resolution that typically moves from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic chord (I), creating a sense of finality.