Plagal cadence

The plagal cadence is one of the most famous cadences in the history of music, but also one of the most subtle. Often associated with the famous “Amen” of religious hymns, it is nevertheless used in a wide variety of contexts, from jazz to rock, pop to classical music. Its charm comes from its simplicity: it offers a gentle resolution, less abrupt than the perfect cadence, and a sense of rest or harmonic fullness.

In this article, we will explore the origin of the plagal cadence, its structure, its emotional effects, and concrete examples of application.

Origins and theoretical foundations

The plagal cadence dates back to Gregorian chant and medieval liturgical music. It is sometimes called the “Amen cadence” because of its systematic use at the end of religious hymns, where it accompanies the word “Amen.” Unlike the perfect cadence (V–I), which creates strong tension and a clear resolution, the plagal cadence (IV–I) produces a softer, more contemplative resolution.

Example in C major:

• F (IV) → C (I)

This simple yet effective progression has crossed centuries and continues to inspire composers.

How does it work in practice?

The plagal cadence relies on the harmonic relationship between the fourth degree (subdominant) and the first degree (tonic) of the scale. In C major:

• C: tonic (I)
• F: subdominant (IV)

The subdominant “prepares” the tonic, but in a less dramatic way than the dominant. The tension it creates is gentle, producing a sense of rest or elegant closure.

Why does it sound so particular?

The plagal cadence is appreciated for several reasons:

• It offers a smooth resolution.
• It creates a “soft suspension” effect before concluding.
• It is emotionally more contemplative and solemn than the perfect cadence.
• It creates a feeling of familiarity and harmonic comfort.

Creative applications

Hymns and sacred music

The classic use of “IV–I” in religious chants perfectly illustrates the plagal cadence. The famous “Amen” of many hymns relies on this progression.

Jazz and blues

In jazz, the plagal cadence often serves as a bridge or harmonic variation. For example, a standard may end a chorus with IV7–I to create a sense of harmonic release while keeping a bluesy color.

Pop and rock

Artists like the Beatles, Elton John, and Coldplay use the plagal cadence in their choruses to provide a sense of gentle or contemplative closure.

Practical example with a progression

Let’s take a simple progression in C major:

• C – G – F – C

Here, the movement F → C is the plagal cadence, concluding the phrase with a calm harmonic effect. We could also write:

• C – Am – F – C

The final “F → C” remains the soft point of resolution, characteristic of the plagal cadence.

Variations and enrichments

• IV7 – I: adding the seventh to the subdominant gives a more jazzy sound.
• iv – i: the minor plagal cadence uses the minor subdominant in a minor key. For example, in A minor: Dm (iv) → Am (i). This variation creates a melancholic, introspective resolution, ideal for darker or emotional pieces.
• IV – I – V – I: combining plagal and perfect cadences creates more dynamic phrases.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages:

• Creates a soft and elegant resolution
• Easy to memorize and apply
• Compatible with many musical styles
• The minor version adds a deeper emotional palette

Limitations:

• Less dramatic than the perfect cadence, it can lack tension
• May sound too predictable if used alone
• The minor plagal cadence can feel too dark in some contexts

How to practice using it

1. Identify the tonic (I or i) and the subdominant (IV or iv) in each key.
2. Play the progression IV–I or iv–i while singing to feel the resolution.
3. Try different inversions and enrichments (IV7, iv, etc.) to explore the colors.
4. Combine with other cadences to create more varied phrases.
5. Analyze famous pieces to spot the use of the plagal cadence and its minor variant.

Plagal cadence and emotion

• It inspires contemplation, serenity, and fullness.
• The minor plagal cadence adds a melancholic, introspective, and sometimes dramatic touch.
• In popular music, it is used to create a sense of familiarity and harmonic comfort, even in a minor context.

Conclusion

The plagal cadence, simple in appearance, is a powerful tool for any musician. Its use spans eras and genres, from Gregorian hymns to modern pop standards. Its minor variant adds even more emotional depth, allowing for expressions of melancholy and introspection. It offers a soft and elegant resolution, a wide palette of emotions, and an ideal starting point for harmonic experimentation.

Whether you are a composer, performer, or simply curious, exploring the plagal cadence and its minor version will enrich your understanding of music and allow you to conclude your musical phrases with finesse and emotion.