For those who have sat Grade 8, can you please tell me if the examiner plays the aural tests a couple of times before you answer OR is it just once ? Also, do they ask one of each type eg what is the cadence, modulation etc or is it more than that ?

Also, I'm having big problems identifying the difference between imperfect and interupted as often feel the imperfect sounds as if it needs to be resolved ie is interupted. I'm using Hofnote to practice which is very useful, but find this a sticking point. Any suggestions welcome.

Test 8A (ii) "To identify the cadence at the end of a further (following) phrase, played twice by the examiner, as perfect, imperfect, interrupted or plagal. The key-chord will first be sounded." Look in 'Specimen Aural Tests' for all the other instructions.

As for differentiating between imperfect and interrupted cadences, imperfect cadences are unresolved - that's why they're imperfect!

The main difference is that to resolve an imperfect, you just need to add a tonic chord, whereas with an interrupted you need to repeat the approach chords and then replace the chord VI with a chord I.

Probably an easier way to spot the difference is that in a major key an interrupted cadence will finish with a minor chord and in a minor key it will end with a major chord. That should be fairly easy to hear.

Hope that helps.

as far as i can remember....
singing back twice
cadence twice
then they play the three chords and ask you to name them, i *think* they play the 3/4 then play each one separately and ask what it is, but im not sure, i was so jump in my exam she played them once and i gave her all three chords at once.

modulations you only get once.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Am off to practice on Hofnote !





Thanks for that.

For me, an interrupted cadence actually sounds like a surprise, and it's unexpected. In contrast, an imperfect cadence merely sounds unfinished. I don't know whether that helps at all.

I teach my students that an imperfect cadence is like a comma; it sounds unfinished, as though you are just taking a breath before moving on again. An interrupted cadence is a real surprise; because the last but one chord is V you are expecting it to resolve on to chord I, that is, you are expecting a perfect cadence. But it doesn't, it does something quite unexpected by going to chord VI. I explain it as a 'surprise' cadence.

Thanks for all your replies - really helpful. Off to practice !