Beethoven No. 5 Symphony Analysis
MUL 2010
Module 4 Listening Journal
He explains his four-note motive of his No. 5 symphony as “fate knocking at the door,” with the short-short-short-long motif. The symphony is evocative in the way that it brings out a foreboding image. Beethoven generates tension in the development section by breaking the horn-call motive into smaller and smaller fragments until it is represented by only a single tone. The movements are sometimes smooth and other times sharp to bring out that internal struggle.
The first movement is one of the most famous themes and produces tension and strife. The concentrated movements build up my expectations. The suspense grows as the strings play in unison, bringing enormous power and energy. The second movement
is more relaxed with long melodies and soft tones. It is a contrast to the first movement. However, we are back to a mysterious mood with the third movement, presented in hushed tones. As the symphony goes on, tension continuously builds until the crescendo brings relief. The fourth movement is almost a celebration or a triumph, as if the weights have been lifted off my shoulders.
I think that this symphony has such a big impact in listeners because it is relatable on a wide scale. Everyone can reflect on a time in their life when there has been a lot of stress and tension and worry. Just when they think it won’t get any better, all the worry dissipates, suddenly. You feel light again. The storm has passed.
Module 4 Listening Journal
He explains his four-note motive of his No. 5 symphony as “fate knocking at the door,” with the short-short-short-long motif. The symphony is evocative in the way that it brings out a foreboding image. Beethoven generates tension in the development section by breaking the horn-call motive into smaller and smaller fragments until it is represented by only a single tone. The movements are sometimes smooth and other times sharp to bring out that internal struggle.
The first movement is one of the most famous themes and produces tension and strife. The concentrated movements build up my expectations. The suspense grows as the strings play in unison, bringing enormous power and energy. The second movement
is more relaxed with long melodies and soft tones. It is a contrast to the first movement. However, we are back to a mysterious mood with the third movement, presented in hushed tones. As the symphony goes on, tension continuously builds until the crescendo brings relief. The fourth movement is almost a celebration or a triumph, as if the weights have been lifted off my shoulders.
I think that this symphony has such a big impact in listeners because it is relatable on a wide scale. Everyone can reflect on a time in their life when there has been a lot of stress and tension and worry. Just when they think it won’t get any better, all the worry dissipates, suddenly. You feel light again. The storm has passed.