What is the name of the cadence that moves from V to I?

• A. Authentic Cadence
• B. Plagal Cadence
• C. Phrygian Cadence
• D. Interrupted Cadence

Answer: (A)

In tonal music, a cadence is a resting point that signals the end of a phrase. When the harmony moves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I), it creates a strong sense of resolution and clearly establishes the key. This is called an authentic cadence. If the V-to-I move happens in root position and ends with the tonic in the melody (soprano), it’s often called a perfect authentic cadence; if those conditions aren’t met, it’s still an authentic cadence, just not perfect.

The other options describe different endings: a cadential move from IV to I has a gentler, plagal feel; a Phrygian cadence involves a characteristic descent in minor (often iv6 to V); an interrupted cadence moves to VI rather than resolving to I, creating a surprise rather than finality. So the V-to-I progression is the authentic cadence.