Which cadence typically leads to a dominant harmony?

A half cadence typically leads to a dominant harmony because it ends on the V (dominant) chord. This creates a sense of expectation or a feeling that the music is not yet resolved, inviting the listener to anticipate the continuation of the musical phrase. A half cadence is often used in progressions to prepare for further development or resolution, ensuring that the piece maintains tension by concluding on a dominant chord rather than a tonic.

The other types of cadences serve different functions. A plagal cadence often moves from the IV chord to the I chord, which provides a sense of resolution but does not emphasize the dominant function. A deceptive cadence leads the listener to expect a resolution to the tonic but instead shifts to an unexpected chord, often the vi chord, which creates surprise but doesn't reaffirm the dominant status. An authentic cadence, typically moving from V to I, does resolve back to the tonic, offering a complete sense of closure rather than leading to further harmonic tension.