What type of harmony does a plagal cadence involve?

A plagal cadence involves subdominant harmony resolving to the tonic. In music theory, a plagal cadence is commonly characterized by the movement from the IV chord (subdominant) to the I chord (tonic). This type of resolution creates a sense of closure, often associated with hymns or more solemn musical passages. The distinctive sound of a plagal cadence contrasts with that of an authentic or perfect cadence, which typically progresses from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I). The subdominant’s resolution to the tonic in a plagal cadence gives it a unique harmonic flavor that is often described as "Amen" in traditional church music. This highlights the role of context and function of chords in harmony and how different cadences create distinct emotional impacts in music.