Upbeat (Leaving Cert Music): Flashcards

Pickup note or anacrusis

Notes before the first full bar of music

Incomplete in terms of the bar's time signature

3 beats

Creates forward motion, gives sense of direction

Starts on weaker beat, resolves into strong downbeat

One or two notes

Duration complements final bar to keep phrase balanced

Too many notes, disrupts melody flow

Adds energy, anticipation, or smoothness