The Phrygian cadence. An element for the cohesion between aesthetics and countries
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Abstract
The Phrygian cadence (IV6-V) is a kind of semi-cadence that was developed above all in the Iberian Peninsula by 16th-century polyphonists. This cadence is important in that it has a modal identity and is peninsular in style. Due to its use by Peninsular polyphonists, especially by Ginés de Morata, and its use later in the zarzuela and in Spanish opera, this cadence became a symbol of the Peninsular style during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. In addition, from being an element of modal half cadences it became part of tonal vocabulary as a semi-cadence, and maintained its function as a link between the two systems. Over time its influence became more widespread, and was used by Roncalli and by Carissimi in Italy, and by Haendel and by Bach in Germany. We propose ways of devising and making use of the Phrygian cadence, in accordance with its different stylistic and chronological precepts.