Phrygian Cadence in Music
A Phrygian cadence is a specific type of musical cadence that is frequently found in Baroque compositions. It is considered an imperfect cadence and is characterized by a iv6V chord progression in the minor mode at the end of a musical phrase or section.
In a Phrygian cadence, the root of the final chord is approached from a semitone above. Specifically, the first inversion of a minor subdominant chord (iv6) resolves to a dominant chord (V). This cadence gives an archaic sound, especially when preceded by the v chord (viv6V). It is often used to conclude a slow movement and is followed by a faster one in Baroque music.
It is important to note that the term "Phrygian cadence" can sometimes be used to refer to other chord progressions or movements in music, so its meaning may vary depending on the context.
Please let me know if you have any further questions!
A chord progression where the subdominant chord (in first inversion) is followed by the dominant chord (IV6 -V). The root of the final chord is approached from a half step above. The "IV6" represents the chord based on the fourth step of the scale (in first inversion) and the "V" represents the chord based on the fifth step of the scale. In the tonality of "E" minor, a phrygian cadence would be the subdominant (IV6 ) A minor chord (C - E - A) moving to the dominant (V) B major chord} (B - D sharp - F sharp). The Phrygian cadence is a special type of half cadence.
Leave a Reply