An anacrusis is an unstressed pickup or lead-in note or group of notes that precedes the first accented note of a phrase (a short unit of musical line). The accented note of the phrase is …

Feb 29, 2024 · An anacrusis is also known as an upbeat because of the way a conductor’s hands move when directing an orchestra. Their hand moves up just before the first beat of each …

The meaning of ANACRUSIS is one or more syllables at the beginning of a line of poetry that are regarded as preliminary to and not a part of the metrical pattern.

Sep 16, 2024 · Anacrusis is also called "pickup measure" or "pickup note," and is essentially a note or notes that come before the first complete measure of music, and before the first …

In poetry, anacrusis sets the rhythmic tone with its introductory syllables, teasing the forthcoming verses with a gentle, poetic prelude. An example of anacrusis is a poem that’s written in …

What’s an anacrusis and why does it matter in music? Dr. Zona explains how pickup notes affect phrasing, rhythm, and entrances—using Amazing Grace as a clear example. ...more

Sep 21, 2025 · Anacrusis (noun): In music, anacrusis refers to the notes that precede the first strong beat of a musical phrase or measure, often known as a pickup note or upbeat.

Anacrusis occurs in music whenever the first note or notes precede the first downbeat in the piece.

Dec 14, 2025 · Beginning of BWV 736, with an anacrusis shown in red. anacrusis (plural anacruses) (prosody) An unstressed syllable at the start of a verse. Then Etheridge poised his …

In poetic and musical meter, and by analogy in publishing, an anacrusis (from Greek: ἀνάκρουσις, anákrousis, literally: 'pushing up', plural anacruses) is a brief introduction (distinct from a …