Which cadence is defined by a dominant-to-tonic progression and is popular in Western classical music?

• A. Authentic cadence
• B. Plagal cadence
• C. Deceptive cadence
• D. Half cadence

Answer: (A)

This cadence is defined by a move from the dominant to the tonic, creating a strong sense of finality and resolution in the key. In Western classical music, this dominant-to-tonic progression is the most common way to end a phrase or musical period because it firmly establishes the tonic harmony and provides a satisfying closure. When the dominant and tonic appear in strong positions—often with the bass moving from the dominant to the tonic and the melody landing on the tonic—the sense of arrival is clear and complete. Other endings, like IV to I (plagal), V to vi (deceptive), or ending on the dominant (half cadence), don’t deliver that same decisive resolution to the tonic.