An in-depth music theory study of authentic and plagal cadences focusing on harmonic analysis, SATB voice-leading mechanics, and original phrase composition. Students master cadence distinctions, voice-leading rules, and four-part realization.
Composition 2: Craft a Plagal Post-Cadential Extension in F Major (4/4 Time) Requirement: IV → I with Smooth Inner Voice Motion
𝄞 𝄢 ♭ ♭ C C Harmonize IV (B♭) Harmonize I (F)
Student Voice-Leading Audit: Check off each item before submitting
No parallel 5ths/8ves Leading tone î → î Upper voices ≤ octave Roots doubled in 5/3
Cadence Craft • Music Theory Part-Writing Series Page 2 of 2
Correction: Alto must resolve C♯5 → D5.
Cadence Craft • Teacher Answer Key Page 1 of 2
SATB Realizations & Exemplars
Master Part-Writing & Scoring Rubric
Teacher Evaluation Guide
3 Part 3: Master Realization Solutions (15 pts)
Complete Inner Voices Realized
Problem A: PAC in C Major (IV → V → I) Realization Alto & Tenor Realized in Green
𝄞 𝄢 IV [F-A-C-F] V [G-B-D-G] I [C-E-G-C]
Voice-Leading Note: Notice how Alto keeps the common tone G4 between V and I. Tenor moves smoothly D4 → E4 by step. The root is doubled in all three chords.
Problem B: Plagal Cadence in G Major (IV → I) Realization Standard Realization Model
Exemplary (4): PAC has root position V → I with î in soprano; Plagal has IV → I with retained common tone.
Voice Leading (5 pts)
Exemplary (5): Zero parallel 5ths/8ves; leading tone resolved; smooth conjunct motion throughout upper parts.
Doubling & Voicing (3 pts)
Exemplary (3): Triad roots doubled; spacing ≤ 8ve between adjacent upper voices; no voice crossing.
Notation & Clef (3 pts)
Exemplary (3): Stems correctly up for S/T and down for A/B; accidentals and bar lines clean.
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Top Student Errors to Watch For: (1) In Part 4 Composition 1, students writing î in soprano over the final chord instead of î (makes it an IAC, not a PAC!). (2) Leaping in inner voices when common tone can be retained. (3) Stem direction errors: Soprano stems must point UP, Alto DOWN, Tenor UP, Bass DOWN when shared on the same staff.