Day Seven: Cadences, Voice Leading, and Phrasing

The origins of the musical cadence, and a reference guide to composing with them.

This post is part of 14 Days of Harmony, a free course for musicians who want to deepen their understanding of harmony, and learn how to develop their connection with sound as a result. You can view the entire course here.

On the origins of the musical cadence, and a reference guide to composing with them.

Imagine that it’s year 1550. You’re a farmer living in the Papal States (now called Italy) near the small town of Palestrina, a few miles outside of Rome. The day to day life is spent surrounded by vegetation, some animals, and a few but not too many humans, and you live a hard and (relatively) short life, and never made time to practice religion.

It was discovered that your family owes some taxes to the Pope. And so you were called in to settle the debt in person. You sell a bunch of cheese and fruits, put on your best clothes, and prepare for your first ever voyage to the Vatican City. 

After a long and difficult trip, and for the first time in your life, you approach the great Cathed…