Which cadence ends on the dominant and leaves a sense of pause rather than final resolution?

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

Answer: (B)

A cadence is a harmonic punctuation that marks the end of a musical idea. The one that ends on the dominant creates a sense of pause and suspense because the harmony has not resolved to the tonic yet. Ending on the dominant (V) leaves tension hanging, since the leading tone strongly wants to move to the tonic, but that final resolution is withheld, inviting the listener to continue.

Think of a phrase in C major that ends on G major. The music feels complete in its moment, but it hasn’t settled back to C major yet, so you sense that another phrase should follow to complete the cadence. In contrast, endings that resolve to the tonic sound final and conclusive, which is why they feel finished. A plagal cadence moves from IV to I, which also feels complete but with a softer cadence, not a pause on V. A deceptive cadence begins with V but resolves to a chord other than the tonic, creating surprise rather than the deliberate pause of stopping on V.