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Listening Guide
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
DATE OF WORK:
1807–8
MOVEMENTS:
I. Allegro con brio; sonata-allegro form, C minor
II. Andante con moto; theme and variations form (2 themes), A-flat
major
III. Allegro; scherzo and trio form, C minor
IV. Allegro; sonata-allegro form, C major
First Movement: Allegro con brio; sonata-allegro form, 2/4 meter, C minor
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
Famous motive (short-short-short-long) is basis for entire movement;
heard in sequence, extended beyond 4 notes, and turned upside down.
Sonata-allegro form, with fiery opening theme and sweet 2nd theme.
Dramatic tonal shifts between major and minor.
EXPOSITION
Theme 1—based on famous 4-note motive, in C minor:
U
U
Allegro con brio
etc.
b b b 2 4 ‰ œ œ œ
‰ œ œ œ
&
˙
˙
˙
ƒ
Motive treated sequentially:
‰
‰
‰
Œ
‰
œ œ œ ˙
b b b 2 4 ‰ œ œ œ
œ œ œ ˙
etc.
œ œ
˙ œ œ œ ˙
˙ œ œ œ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ œ
œ œœ
˙ ˙
&
˙ ˙
˙ ˙
˙
œ
n˙
˙
p
J
Expansion from 4-note motive; horns modulate to key of second theme:
b b 2
etc.
& b
4 ‰ œ œ œ ˙
˙
˙
S
S
ƒ
S
Theme 2—more lyrical, in woodwinds, in E-flat major; heard against rhythm of 4-note motive:
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
¬
b
etc.
b 2 4 œ
& b
p
b b 2 4 ∑
∑
∑
∑
‰ œ œ œ œ Œ
‰ œ œ œ œ Œ
? b
L
basic rhythm
Closing theme—descending staccato passage, then 4-note motive.
Repeat of exposition.
DEVELOPMENT
Beginning of development, announced by horns.
Manipulation of 4-note motive through a descending sequence: