Unit 7: Harmonic Organization III | Function and Cadences

Chord Function

• Function refers to the placement of the chord within the key

  • Function is the “job” of the chord

• The strongest and most stable pitch in a chord is the tonic

• Scale degrees 4, 6, and 7 are active tones

Cadences

• A cadence is the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic conclusion to a phrase

• A cadence helps to establish the tonal center

  • A cadence is the proof to determine the key

• Cadences end with only 3 chords

  • I (i)

  • vi (VI)

  • V (v)

• Perfect Authentic Cadence

  • V - I or v - i

  • V7 - I or v7 - i

• Plagal Cadence

  • “Amen cadence”

  • IV - I or iv - i

• Deceptive Cadence

  • V - vi or V - VI

• Half Cadence

  • Ends with V or V7

    • Commonly preceded by IV, ii, ii6, and I64 or i64

• Phrygian Half Cadence

  • Occurs in harmonic minor

  • iv6 - V

Function Families

• Tonic

  • I or i

  • VI or vi

• Subdominant or Predominant

  • IV or iv

  • ii or ii diminished

• Dominant

  • V or vii diminished

• Function is altered when

  • a seventh is added

  • the more the chord is inverted

    • the weaker it’s function

    • the more it functions like another chord

  • you consider what chord member is doubled

Chord Function (ext)

Chord function refers to the specific role that a chord plays within the context of a particular key or scale. Understanding chord function is essential for analyzing and composing music. It can often be thought of as the "job" of the chord, as it dictates how the chord contributes to the overall harmonic progression.

• Tonic: The tonic is the most stable and strongest pitch in a chord, usually represented by the I (major) or i (minor) scale degree. It serves as the home base in tonal music.

• Active Tones: Scale degrees 4 (subdominant), 6 (minor submediant), and 7 (leading tone) are considered active tones, meaning they create tension that seeks resolution to the tonic.

Cadences (ext)

A cadence is a musical term that refers to the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic conclusion to a phrase. Cadences are incredibly important in establishing the tonal center and provide definitive proof of the key in which a piece is written.

• Characteristics of Cadences:

  • Cadences typically resolve to tonic chords, providing a sense of closure.

  • They end with only three types of chords: I (i), VI (vi), and V (v).

Types of Cadences

1. Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC): This cadence involves a movement from V to I (or v to i) and often includes a dominant seventh chord (V7 to I or v7 to i). The PAC creates a strong sense of resolution.

2. Plagal Cadence: Commonly known as the "Amen cadence," it consists of a progression from IV to I (or iv to i), often used in hymns and spiritual music.

3. Deceptive Cadence: A deceptive cadence moves from V to vi (or V to VI), creating an unexpected turn that avoids the anticipated resolution to the tonic.

4. Half Cadence: This cadence ends on V (or V7), often preceded by chords such as IV, ii, ii6, and I64 or i64, and gives a feeling of suspension, suggesting further continuation of the musical narrative.

5. Phrygian Half Cadence: This unique cadence occurs in harmonic minor and features a progression from iv6 to V, characterized by a distinct sound that leads to tension and resolution.

Function Families (ext)

Chords can be categorized into three main function families, each serving a different role in the harmonic framework of a piece:

1. Tonic Function: This includes I or i and VI or vi chords, which impart a sense of rest and resolution in music.

2. Subdominant or Predominant Function: Primarily represented by IV or iv and ii (or ii diminished). These chords prepare the music for motion towards the dominant, leading to a stronger resolution.

3. Dominant Function: Comprised of the V chord (or vii diminished), this function creates tension that seeks resolution back to the tonic. The presence of a seventh in the chord enhances this tension.

Function Alterations

• The function of a chord is altered when:

  • A seventh is added to the chord, increasing its instability and desire to resolve.

  • The more a chord is inverted, the weaker its function becomes, making it function similarly to a different chord.

  • Consideration of chord members: Doubling specific chord members can lead to shifts in the perceived function of the chord within the progression.