Three Basic Baroque Cadences, Simple, Compound & Double

Summary

This video from the Baroque Music Theory series explores the three fundamental types of perfect cadences taught in 18th-century Naples conservatories: simple, compound, and double cadences. Each type is distinguished by the duration of the dominant note in the bass, with durations of one, two, and four beats respectively. The video illustrates these cadences with figured bass examples, adaptable to various time signatures, and highlights the potential for composers to embellish these basic forms to enrich their music.

Takeaways

• 🎼 The video introduces the three basic types of perfect cadences in Baroque music theory.
• 🇮🇹 These cadences were taught at 18th-century Naples music conservatories.
• 🎵 The first type is the simple cadence, known as 'cadenza' in Italian.
• 🎵 The second type is the compound cadence, called 'cadenza composta' in Italian.
• 🎵 The third type is the double cadence, referred to as 'cadenza dapia' in Italian.
• 📋 The distinction between these cadences is based on the duration of the dominant note in the bass.
• 🕒 In the simple cadence, the dominant note lasts for one beat.
• 🕒 In the compound cadence, the dominant note lasts for two beats.
• 🕒 In the double cadence, the dominant note lasts for four beats.
• 🎶 The video demonstrates these cadences with figured bass examples, adaptable to various time signatures.
• 💡 Composers were expected to embellish these basic cadence forms to fit their unique styles and requirements.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is Baroque music theory, specifically focusing on the three basic types of perfect cadences taught to young students at the music conservatories in 18th century Naples.

How many basic types of perfect cadence are mentioned in the video?

The video mentions three basic types of perfect cadence.

What are the three basic types of perfect cadence discussed in the video?

The three basic types of perfect cadence discussed are the simple cadence (cadenza), the compound cadence (cadenza composta), and the double cadence (cadenza dapia).

What is the difference between the simple, compound, and double cadences?

The difference lies in the length of the dominant note in the bass: one beat for the simple cadence, two beats for the compound cadence, and four beats for the double cadence.

What is the significance of the length of the dominant note in the cadences?

The length of the dominant note in the bass presents the opportunity to add more complex harmony around it, with increasing complexity as the length increases.

How does the harmony differ between the simple, compound, and double cadences?

In the simple cadence, the dominant chord moves straight onto the final tonic chord. In the compound cadence, there is a six-four-five-three (hot cross buns) combination before the final tonic chord. In the double cadence, the dominant sounds before the 6-4-5-3 combo is stretched by a 4-3 suspension leading to the final tonic chord.

Are these cadence patterns limited to a specific time signature?

No, although the example is in 4/4 time, these patterns can be adjusted to fit other time signatures.

What is the role of figured bass in the cadences discussed?

Figured bass is used to show the underlying harmonic structure of the cadences, indicating the chords and their inversions.

How were composers expected to treat these basic forms of cadences?

Composers were expected to embellish these basic forms to suit their own requirements and styles.

What does the video suggest about the knowledge of professional Baroque era musicians?

Professional Baroque era musicians would know dozens of cadences, indicating a more extensive knowledge beyond the three basic types discussed.

What is the purpose of the video, as stated in the closing remarks?

The purpose of the video is to provide useful information on Baroque music theory, specifically on the three basic types of perfect cadences, and to encourage viewers to return for more videos on the subject.