Name the two strongest notes by letter name and also by their scale degree names. Explain how you chose these 2 notes, how they function to form 2 types of cadences within this piece, what they "give" to the listener.

1 answer

In order to answer this question, we would need information about the specific piece or composition in question. The strongest notes and their scale degree names, as well as how they function and form cadences, can vary depending on the key, tonality, and style of the piece.

However, I can provide a general explanation of strong notes and cadences in Western tonal music. In most traditional Western tonal music, the two strongest notes are typically the tonic (the first scale degree) and the dominant (the fifth scale degree).

For example, if we consider a composition in the key of C major, the two strongest notes by letter name would be C and G. Similarly, in terms of their scale degrees, they would be the tonic (I) and the dominant (V).

These two notes, C and G, have a strong relationship to each other due to the harmonic function they serve within the tonal system. The tonic, or the key note (C in this case), provides a sense of stability and resolution. On the other hand, the dominant (G), being a fifth above the tonic, creates tension and a desire to resolve back to the tonic. This relationship forms the basis for many tonal cadences.

One common cadence that can be formed using these two strong notes is the authentic cadence, often represented by V-I. In our example, this would be G-C. An authentic cadence gives a sense of finality and resolution, as the dominant chord (G) resolves to the tonic chord (C).

Another cadence that can be formed using these two strong notes is the plagal cadence, represented by IV-I. In the key of C major, this would be F-C. The plagal cadence often conveys a sense of peacefulness or a religious connotation, as it is commonly associated with the "Amen" cadence in hymns.

These two strong notes, along with their related cadences, contribute to the listener's perception of musical tension and release, creating a sense of resolution and stability. They help shape the overall narrative and emotional journey of the composition, guiding the listener's expectations and experience.