Listening InQuizitive 23: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

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Questions and Answers

What is the rhythm of the four-note motive of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony?

short-short-short-long

The four-note motive is played loudly by the _______ just before you hear the second theme.

French horns

In what way is the second theme different from the first in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony?

It is played in a major key.

While the smooth, lyrical second theme is played by strings and woodwinds, what do you hear played in the background?

the short-short-short-long rhythm Signup and view all the answers

The closing theme has a(n) ________ melodic line.

descending Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven introduces the development section with playing the .

loud horns, four-note motive Signup and view all the answers

How is tension or suspense created in this excerpt?

The short-short-short-long rhythm is played quietly and then builds dramatically to a loud volume. Signup and view all the answers

How does the development section of the first movement begin?

horn call Signup and view all the answers

How does Beethoven let you know that the four-note motive is the return of the exposition material?

The motive is played loudly and a bit more slowly. Signup and view all the answers

Near the beginning of the recapitulation, a(n) _________ plays a cadenza.

oboe Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes what appears in the recapitulation of the first movement?

all of these Signup and view all the answers

Which theme receives extensive treatment in the coda?

theme 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the form of the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony?

sonata allegro Signup and view all the answers

In order of appearance, what are the three parts of sonata-allegro form?

exposition, development, recapitulation Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the form is the excerpt you are listening to?

exposition Signup and view all the answers

This is the _______ theme.

first Signup and view all the answers

The loud horns introduce the _______ theme.

second Signup and view all the answers

This is the ______ theme.

second Signup and view all the answers

This is the ________ theme.

closing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Overview

Known for its famous four-note motive: short-short-short-long.
First movement employs sonata-allegro form, a common structure in classical music.

Themes in the First Movement

First Theme:
- Set in C minor.
- Characterized by rhythmic intensity and repetition.
Second Theme:
- Contrasts with the first theme and is played in a major key.
- Delivered smoothly by strings and woodwinds, with the four-note motive heard subtly in the background.
Closing Theme:
- Introduced in the exposition as loud and fiery.
- Features a descending melodic line, differentiating it from the repeated notes of the first theme.

Development Section

Begins with loud horns playing the four-note motive.
Tension is built through quiet passages of the motive that crescendo into loud dynamics.

Recapitulation

Marks the return of exposition material in C minor.
The fiery four-note motive reappears loudly and slowly, signifying a return to earlier themes early in this section.
A solo oboe features a cadenza near the start of the recapitulation.

Coda

Lasts a minute and a half and includes various dramatic dynamic changes.
Primarily emphasizes the first theme, revisiting its motifs and melodic ideas.

Form Structure

Structured in three parts:
- Exposition
- Development
- Recapitulation

Notable Insights

The movement is marked by shifts in dynamics and tension, showcasing Beethoven's compositional skills.
Each theme introduces distinct emotional and musical contrasts, contributing to the work's dramatic narrative.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 with these flashcards. Learn about key motifs, themes, and instrumentation in this iconic composition. Perfect for music enthusiasts and students alike!