Anticipation Tone: A non-chord tone that occurs when a note is played before the chord to which it belongs, creating a sense of expectation.

Context and Significance

The anticipation tone is significant in music composition for its ability to build tension and expectation. Often used in classical and jazz music, it helps to transition smoothly between chords by introducing notes of the upcoming chord slightly ahead of time. This technique enriches harmonic progressions and enhances the emotional impact of the music. It’s commonly found in piano and orchestral pieces, where composers seek to create a seamless flow and dynamic contrast.

Historical Background

The use of anticipation tones dates back to the Baroque and Classical periods, where it was employed to add expressiveness to harmonic transitions. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart utilized anticipation tones to heighten emotional tension and resolve in their compositions. The technique has evolved but remains a staple in Western music theory and practice, illustrating its lasting relevance.

Examples

In Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, anticipation tones are used to enhance the dramatic tension in the Allegro movement. Jazz composers like Duke Ellington also employed this technique to enrich the harmonic language in their arrangements. In contemporary settings, anticipation tones are frequently heard in film scores, adding suspense and emotional depth.

Related Terms

Suspension: A non-chord tone held over from a previous chord, creating tension until resolved.

Appoggiatura: A non-chord tone approached by leap and resolved by step, adding expressiveness.

Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that bridges two chord tones by stepwise motion.

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