Compound Cadence in Two Parts

So far we have looked at simple cadences. Simple means that the voices move at the same time. Let’s remind ourselves of the simple cadence in two parts:

A compound cadence will consists of the same clausulae with one voice being delayed by half the duration of the original notes (in the case, the original motion used half notes so one clausula will be delayed by a duration of a quarter).

This results in a 7-6 suspension on the PEN note of the Tenor Clausula when it is in the lower voice and a 2-3 suspension when the Tenor Clausula is in the lower voice.

The historic term for suspension is “syncopatio.”

A syncopatio has 3 parts: (1) consonant preparation, (2) dissonant “clash,” and (3) consonant resolution. After Giovanni Artusi (c.1540-1613), the tied (“delayed”) voice is the patient, the moving voice the agent. In a cadence, the discant clausula is always the patient, while the tenor clausula is always the agent. Memory aid: the patient is passive (tied); the agent is active (it moves to make the dissonant “clash”).

Compendium of Voice-Leading Patterns from the 17th and 18th Centuries to Play, Sing, and Transpose at the Keyboard, Compiled by Derek Remeš.
Derek Remeš, Compendium

Practice these in all major and minor keys using Keyboard Buddy (unit 1-4)

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