HALF CADENCES

A half cadence is a cadence based on a half cadential progression that is a chord progression to the fifth scale degree.  Often, the half cadence uses a chord progression from the first to the fifth scale degree but does not have to. For instance, it can use a chord progression from the second scale degree to the fifth scale degree or from the secondary dominant of the fifth scale degree to the fifth scale degree (V/V – V in the major key). The half cadence calls for a continuation of music. 

As an example, we shall examine the beginning of Chopin’s Prelude No. 17 in Ab major. In measures 9 and 10, we see the chord progression from the first scale degree to the fifth scale degree. Such a cadence calls for a continuation of music. Indeed, after this cadence, the repetition of measures 3 to 10 comes. The repetition, however, contains some minor changes and a completely different ending. This will be further explained in chapter Period. 

A half cadence is usually annotated using the abbreviation HC.

Figure: The half cadence in Chopin's Prelude No. 17 in Ab major