Adult Learners, Elementary

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Does the Point of Arrival Define the Type of Cadence?

If an authentic cadence has an extended melodic line on the tonic chord (eg: in the key of C the Notes E, D, E, C with C in the Bass), is it considered an IAC or PAC? In other words, is it the final point of arrival or the first beat that determines the type of cadence?

Answer

RCM Staff

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 4:34 PM

The point of arrival defines the type of cadence. In the example cited, this would be an IAC. However, on examination questions, students will not be required to differentiate between Perfect and Imperfect authentic cadences, due to possible ambiguity. They will simply be required to identify cadences as authentic, half, deceptive, or plagal.

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 4:34 PM

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