Topmusicanswers
Since it is not quite a tonic chord (although it has all of the notes of the I) nor a dominant, we label it as a Cadential 6/4 (analytical notation: Cad 6/4 or C 6/4) as it is used primarily at the cadence point and functions as a terminal pre-dominant (meaning that it normally progresses to the dominant).
- What is a Cadential six four chord?
- How do you tell if a chord is dominant or tonic?
- Why does the Cadential i 6 4 not represent the tonic triad?
- Is the VI chord tonic?
What is a Cadential six four chord?
The cadential 6 4 is a melodic and harmonic formula that often appears at the end of phrases in music of the common practice period. Typically, it consists of a decoration of the dominant chord by displacing both its third and fifth by a step above.
How do you tell if a chord is dominant or tonic?
The first (and last) note is called the tonic. The fifth note is called the dominant. The fourth note is called the subdominant. Notice that the subdominant is the same distance below the tonic as the dominant is above it (a generic fifth).
Why does the Cadential i 6 4 not represent the tonic triad?
In a cadential 6-4 (cad6-4) chord, the bass is always the fifth step of the scale, and the resolution harmony (that is, the next harmony) is always dominant. The cad6-4 has the pitches of the tonic triad, but is really just a decoration of the dominant, not a true tonic.
Is the VI chord tonic?
The submediant (vi) may be considered a predominant chord or a tonic substitute. The dominant preparation is a chord or series of chords that precedes the dominant chord in a musical composition. Usually, the dominant preparation is derived from a circle of fifths progression.
