Cadential Six-Four | Theory Things William Wieland |
Old Days |
Today |
The first half note, the cadential six-four chord, embellishes and resolves to the second chord. In the “old days”, these two measures required 3 Roman numerals. Today, music theorists consider these two measures to include only two harmonies, dominant and tonic. | |
The following music theory t-shirt was designed and is sold online by the Society for Music Theory with the marketing hook, “A gentle reminder that I64 isn’t the friend it seems to be.” | |
The following harmonic progression perhaps more clearly demonstrates a similar embellishment and resolution. |