Deceptive Cadence

Definition

A deceptive cadence is a harmonic progression that creates an expectation for resolution but instead leads to an unexpected chord, usually moving from the dominant chord (V) to the submediant (vi). This surprising shift serves to prolong tension and can add emotional depth to a piece of music, making it an important concept in harmonic analysis, cadence types, common chord progressions, and the use of secondary dominants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deceptive cadences often create a moment of surprise by defying the listener's expectations of a strong resolution.
2. The most common deceptive cadence occurs when the V chord resolves to vi, but it can also resolve to other chords.
3. In harmonic analysis, identifying deceptive cadences helps musicians understand how composers manipulate tension and resolution.
4. Deceptive cadences can be used effectively in various musical styles, from classical to popular music, adding emotional complexity.
5. They can extend musical phrases by delaying the arrival at the tonic, allowing for more creative development in the composition.

Review Questions

• How does a deceptive cadence function within a harmonic progression?
  • A deceptive cadence functions by leading the listener to expect a resolution to the tonic but instead provides a surprising shift. Typically, it moves from the dominant chord (V) to a submediant chord (vi) or another unexpected chord. This creates tension and prolongs the musical phrase, offering composers a tool to enhance emotional depth and maintain interest in their music.
• Discuss the relationship between deceptive cadences and common chord progressions in Western music.
  • Deceptive cadences are often embedded within common chord progressions that utilize the V-I movement. By replacing the expected I with vi or another unexpected chord, composers can create unique variations on traditional progressions. This interplay allows for greater harmonic exploration and helps define a piece's overall emotional landscape, showcasing how deceptive cadences contribute to both structure and expression in music.
• Evaluate the significance of deceptive cadences in the context of secondary dominants and leading tone chords.
  • Deceptive cadences play a crucial role in enhancing secondary dominants and leading tone chords by creating unexpected shifts that enrich harmonic texture. When a secondary dominant precedes a deceptive cadence, it heightens tension before resolving deceptively. This complexity not only deepens the listener's experience but also showcases how composers can cleverly manipulate harmony to create dramatic effects while maintaining coherence within their works.

Related terms

Authentic Cadence: An authentic cadence is a strong resolution from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic (I), providing a sense of closure in a musical phrase.

Plagal Cadence: A plagal cadence involves a movement from the subdominant chord (IV) to the tonic (I), often referred to as the 'Amen cadence' because of its frequent use in hymns.

Secondary Dominant: A secondary dominant is a dominant seventh chord that resolves to a diatonic chord other than the tonic, temporarily tonicizing that chord within the progression.