Which type of cadence ends on the dominant chord?

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The cadence that ends on the dominant chord is the half cadence. A half cadence is characterized by the music concluding on a chord built on the fifth scale degree, known as the dominant. This creates a sense of incompleteness or anticipation, as it does not resolve back to the tonic (the first scale degree).

Half cadences are often used to create a pause or to signal a transition in the music, leaving the listener expecting further resolution. This is different from other types of cadences that have their own distinct resolutions; for instance, an authentic cadence resolves from the dominant to the tonic, creating a stronger sense of closure.

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