Topmusicanswers
A plagal cadence is a cadence from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I). It is also known as the Amen Cadence because of its frequent setting to the text “Amen” in hymns. Here it is being used at the end of The Doxology Hymn. The term “minor plagal cadence” is used to refer to the iv–I progression.
- What cadence is a 4 to 1?
- What is a minor cadence?
- How can you tell if cadence is major or minor?
- What cadence is VI to I?
What cadence is a 4 to 1?
Plagal Cadence (IV to I)
Plagal Cadence is very similar to the perfect authentic cadence in its movement and resolution to the tonic. However, plagal cadence begins on a different chord. The plagal cadence moves from the IV(subdominant) to the I (tonic) chord in major keys (iv-i in minor keys).
What is a minor cadence?
A minor plagal cadence, also known as a perfect plagal cadence, uses the minor iv instead of a major IV. With a very similar voice leading to a perfect cadence, the minor plagal cadence is a strong resolution to the tonic.
How can you tell if cadence is major or minor?
Here there are two useful clues. First, the final chord of the cadence in major is a major triad, and the final chord of the cadence in minor is a minor triad. Second, the melody in each case consists of a downward scale -- major or minor -- from the fifth note to the first.
What cadence is VI to I?
By some definitions, vi->I, or indeed any chord without a dominant function leading to tonic, can be considered a plagal cadence. The effect is the same. The penultimate chord shares one or more notes with the cadential chord and you therefore get a cadence that sounds more like a dramatic suspension.
