Anticipations

Definition

Anticipations are a type of embellishing tone that occurs when a note is played before it is expected in the harmony, creating a momentary dissonance before resolving into a consonance. This technique adds interest and can create a sense of forward motion in music. Anticipations often highlight an upcoming chord tone, giving listeners a hint of what is to come and enhancing the overall harmonic progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anticipations are always approached by step or leap from a chord tone and are usually found on weak beats.
2. When using anticipations, composers often employ them to create rhythmic interest and to prepare the listener for an upcoming harmonic change.
3. Unlike suspensions, anticipations resolve upward into the expected chord tone rather than downward.
4. Anticipations can occur in various musical contexts, including melodies and harmonies, and they often appear in both classical and popular music.
5. In traditional notation, anticipations are usually notated with a small note preceding the main note in the score, indicating its embellishing nature.

Review Questions

• How do anticipations differ from other types of embellishing tones like suspensions?
  • Anticipations differ from suspensions primarily in how they resolve. Anticipations are played before the expected chord tone and resolve upward into it, while suspensions are held from the previous chord and resolve downward. Both add tension and color to the music, but their function in the harmonic context varies significantly.
• Discuss the role of anticipations in creating forward motion within a musical piece.
  • Anticipations play a crucial role in creating forward motion as they introduce upcoming harmonic changes before they fully occur. This technique engages listeners by providing hints of what is coming next, leading to a sense of anticipation. By inserting these notes strategically, composers can guide the listener’s expectations and enhance the overall flow of the music.
• Evaluate how anticipations contribute to musical expression and complexity within compositions across different genres.
  • Anticipations contribute significantly to musical expression by adding layers of complexity and richness to compositions. In classical music, they serve to heighten emotional tension and resolution, while in popular genres, they can create hooks or memorable phrases that resonate with listeners. By using anticipations effectively, composers can manipulate harmonic progressions, engage the audience's emotions, and craft intricate soundscapes that elevate the overall musical experience.

Related terms

Embellishing Tone: A non-chord tone that decorates or embellishes a chord, typically resolving to a chord tone.

Suspension:

A non-chord tone that is held over from a previous chord, creating tension that resolves down to a chord tone.

Appoggiatura: A type of non-chord tone that is approached by leap and resolved by step to a chord tone, often creating dramatic tension.