AP Music Theory Flashcards: Cadences and Predominant Function
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How would you identify cadences in notated music?
In notated music, you identify cadences by analyzing the final chords of a phrase to find specific harmonic patterns like IV-I or V to a non-tonic chord.
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How would you identify cadences in notated music?
In notated music, you identify cadences by analyzing the final chords of a phrase to find specific harmonic patterns like IV-I or V to a non-tonic chord.
How would you identify cadences in performed music?
In performed music, you identify cadences by listening for the harmonic progressions that signal the end of a musical phrase.
What is meant by 'predominant function' in the context of a cadence?
Predominant function refers to a chord (like IV or iv⁶) that precedes the final chord of a cadence, helping to create the phrase-ending progression.
Which two cadences mentioned use a predominant function chord to conclude a phrase?
The plagal cadence (IV–I) and the Phrygian half cadence (iv⁶–V) both use a predominant function chord as the penultimate chord of the cadence.
What is a Phrygian half cadence?
A Phrygian half cadence is a specific progression of iv⁶–V that occurs only in minor keys to conclude a phrase.
Define a plagal cadence.
A plagal cadence is a phrase-ending harmonic progression consisting of a IV (or iv) chord moving to a I (or i) chord.
What is the key-related restriction for a Phrygian half cadence?
A Phrygian half cadence, which moves from iv⁶ to V, is found exclusively in minor keys.
How does a deceptive cadence differ from an authentic cadence?
A deceptive cadence resolves from V to a non-tonic chord, whereas an authentic cadence resolves from V to the tonic (I).
If you see a iv⁶ chord followed by a V chord at the end of a phrase in a minor key, what cadence is it?
This specific harmonic progression, iv⁶–V in a minor key, is identified as a Phrygian half cadence.
What is the primary characteristic of a deceptive cadence's resolution?
A deceptive cadence avoids the expected V–I resolution by having a non-tonic chord substitute for the final tonic chord.