An authentic cadence in major tonality resolves in which progression?

• A. I to V
• B. V to I
• C. IV to I
• D. ii to V

Answer: (B)

An authentic cadence in major harmony is defined by a dominant to tonic resolution, giving a strong sense of closure. The dominant chord, especially in its V or V7 form, pulls strongly toward the tonic, and the leading-tone in the key resolves upward to the tonic. When you hear V moving to I, the tension is released and the phrase feels finished.

Ending with I as the final harmony is what makes it authentic. Other progressions don’t deliver that same sense of finality: moving from tonic to dominant doesn’t close the phrase; a IV to I motion is a softer, plagal feel; and ii to V sets up the dominant but typically resolves to I afterward, rather than ending on the tonic as the cadence itself.