In a Bach chorale, how do I know which type of perfect cadence to use?

In Bach chorales, most perfect cadences will follow the same patterns so it's actually a lot less complicated than it first appears! Firstly, we will look at the most common progressions for a perfect cadence. We must look at the notes in the melody to determine which progression to use, the most common are 221 and 321. When we have decided which key we are in, look at the melody. Almost always, the melody notes will follow the pattern 221 or 321. So if we are in C major; DDC or EDC.
The two stock progressions for these are as follows*:321: Ic-V(7)-I221: II7b-V(7)-I*to fully explain this I would need to provide examples/diagrams.
These two stock progressions are found throughout Bach's chorales, and if you follow the formulae, you can't go wrong!

IB
Answered by Isabella B. Music tutor

5522 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I analyse melodic features in a piece?


What is a tritone and why should it be avoided when writing harmony in the style of Bach?


What is the Mixolydian mode?


Discuss how changing perceptions of early music (mediaeval to Baroque) has informed the evolution of present-day performance and reception


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning