Submediant Cadence: A musical cadence involving the submediant (vi) chord moving to the tonic (I) chord, creating a resolution with a softer, subtler effect compared to more common cadences.

Context and Significance

The submediant cadence is valued for its gentle resolution, often utilized in genres like classical and contemporary music where a softer harmonic conclusion is desired. This cadence provides a refreshing alternative to the dominant-tonic progression, offering composers a tool to convey introspection or a sense of calm. It’s commonly found in piano music, orchestral works, and vocal compositions, where the shift from the submediant to the tonic can evoke a tranquil or reflective mood.

Historical Background

The concept of the submediant cadence emerged with the evolution of tonal harmony during the Classical period. Its use became more pronounced in the Romantic era when composers sought to express deeper emotions and subtler nuances within their works. As music theory expanded, the submediant cadence provided composers an opportunity to explore new harmonic territories, deviating from traditional cadential formulas.

Examples

In Schubert’s lieder, the submediant cadence often underpins moments of lyrical reflection, enhancing the emotional depth of the vocal line. Debussy also employed this cadence in his piano pieces, using it to craft a sense of fluidity and openness. The submediant cadence appears in modern film scores, where it supports scenes requiring a gentle resolution or introspective quality.

Related Terms

Tonic: The first scale degree, serving as the home chord in a key.

Dominant Cadence: A cadence moving from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I).

Subdominant: The fourth scale degree, often leading to the dominant.

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