Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 68 of 100

Method of emphasising certain notes and chords

In order to stress or emphasise a certain note or chord, besides the marks of expression decrescendo and sf, chords of 2, 3, and 4 notes can be inserted into the melodic progression by the instruments of the string quartet, each playing a single note; short notes in the wood-wind may also be used as well as a chain of three or four grace notes, in the form of a scale, either in strings or wood-wind. These unstressed notes (anacrusis), generally written very small, form a kind of upward glide, the downward direction being less common. As a rule they are connected to the main note by a slur. In the strings they should not lead up to chords of three or four notes, as this would be awkward for the bow.

Examples:

No. 254. The Tsar's Bride 142—Anacrusis in the strings.

* No. 255. Shéhérazade, 2nd movement C—Short pizz. chords.

* """ P—Short wind chords (cf. Ex. 19).