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Irregular Phrases: Extensions at the Beginning

A.    Extensions at the beginning of the phrase: an extension which occurs before the phrase proper has begun but is part of the phrase rather than independent of it. Generally, careful listening will reveal where the phrase proper actually begins.

Click here to hear Scott Foglesong's audio lecture on extensions at the beginning of a phrase.

NOTE: you may click on any of these examples to hear them played back.

1. Anticipation of the melody (smaller notes indicate the anticipations)

2.     Establishment of the accompaniment pattern (introduction)