What type of cadence follows the dominant chord with a harmony different than the tonic?

• A. Perfect cadence
• B. Deceptive cadence
• C. Plagal cadence
• D. Halting cadence

Answer: (B)

The choice of a deceptive cadence is ideal in this context because it specifically describes a harmonic progression that deviates from the expected resolution. In a typical perfect cadence, the dominant chord (V) resolves directly to the tonic chord (I). However, in a deceptive cadence, the progression shifts in a surprising way, moving from the dominant to a different chord rather than the tonic.

Usually, this shift goes from the dominant to the submediant, which is the sixth degree of the scale (vi in a major key). This unexpected change creates a sense of tension and resolution that differs from the direct satisfaction provided by a perfect cadence. The deceptive cadence effectively elicits a feeling of uncertainty, making it a powerful tool in composition to add emotional depth and interest.

The other types of cadences listed each serve different functions, but none embody the characteristic change from the dominant to a non-tonic chord quite like the deceptive cadence does.