Anacrusis Anacrusis

Anacrusis - Definition and Overview

Anacrusis, in music or poetry, is a word for the lead-in syllables or notes that precede the first full measure.

In the Star Spangled Banner, the word Oh in the first line is in anacrusis in both the music and the anapestic meter of the poem:

x    /    x   x   /    x   x   /     x  x  /   
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light. . .

Example Usage of Anacrusis

ThunderAceVA: I wish Anacrusis would get back together. Truly a great band.
Gumblar: Blog: Anacrusis › Susie http://bit.ly/GlhhP
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