8. Analysis of.....

Analysis of ludwig van Beethoven's fifth symphony

The most outstanding characteristic of **the first movement** is its persistent attention on one motive, an abrupt repeated-note figure that is announced un humanised at the very beginning in an attention-arresting sound. This dramatic opening, with its suspenseful pauses, is actually a brief premonitory introduction to the first theme. This consists entirely or one motive sequentially delivered by the upper strings.

**The second movement** is a sequence of variations linked by widespread transitional sections. Beethoven has here followed a process frequently found in some of Haydn’s work – the use of two themes as an alternative of one. The foremost of these, one of its composer’s most striking melodies, is given out by the violas and cellos. The subject makes a timid first appearance in the clarinets and bassoons; but a accent takes place en route, and it is transformed into a imposing tune in C major gravely intoned by the trumpets and horns.

**The third movement** is a typical Beethoven scherzo, though not designated as such by the musician. In compare to the two prior movements, it commences in a passive, almost puzzling way, with this theme assigned it the cellos and basses playing at a level of pianissimo. The vital atmosphere of these opening processes is abruptly dispelled by the horns, as they ring out forth and an additional repeated-note motive. media type="custom" key="25395802"