Anticipatory notes

Complexity : 4 (intermediate)

If two harmony notes are a step apart, the second note may be anticipated in the same part, just before the beat.
This practice is most common before the cadence, though it may occur elsewhere. The note of anticipation is always a small value - quaver or semiquaver.
- Anticipations in the Tenor and Alto must be combined with one in the soprano. In this case, they either move in parallel 3rd and 6th or they approach octave or unison in contrary motion.
- Anticipations should never be used in the bass.
- Occasionally passing notes, suspensions can also be anticipated. Experience is the ultimate guide, but it is good to consider whether the 3 notes in question, would normally be harmonized with or without a change of chord.
- Anticipatory notes are usually not tied. They are ordinarily much shorter in time value than the principal tone.