upbeat
[English]
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.
Example
Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, IV
Luigi Boccherini: Concerto for Cello in B-flat Major, G. 482, III
Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Nocturne"
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, III
George Frideric Handel: Messiah, No. 9, "O thou that tellest"
Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, IV
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Last Updated: 2016-04-30 12:55:24