Upbeat


The last beat of any measure, usually a weak beat. It is called the "upbeat" because the conductor always directs it with an upward swing of the baton or hand. This anticipates the first beat of the next measure, the "downbeat", always directed by a downward swing of the baton or hand.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 (Italian), IV
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 40
Boccherini: Concerto for Cello in B-flat Major, G. 482, III
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 61
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, IV (main theme, strings)
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 11
Handel: Messiah, No. 9, "O thou that tellest"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 55
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Nocturne
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 10
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, III
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 6
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