IEB Matric Music - Fifth Symphony Analysis

The fourth movement, in sonata form, is the climax of the symphony. It brings the victory of C major over C minor, of optimism and exultation over struggle and uncertainty. For greater power and brilliance, Beethoven enlarged the orchestra in the finale to include three trombones, a piccolo and a contrabassoon. Brass instruments are especially prominent and give a march like character to much of the movement.

The fourth movement is written in an extended sonata form. Beethoven makes the following changes:

The resultant structure looks like this:

The triumphant opening theme begins with the three tones of the C major triad, brilliantly proclaimed by the trumpets.

A bridge theme, similar in mood to the opening theme, is announced by the horns and continued by the violins.

Triplets lend a joyous quality to the second theme, which contrasts loud and soft phrases.

Two powerful chords and a brief pause announce the closing theme of the exposition. This melody, composed of descending phrases, is first played by the strings and woodwinds and then forcefully repeated by the entire orchestra.

The development focusses mainly on the second theme and its triplet rhythm. A huge climax at the end of the development is followed by one of the most marvellous surprises in all music. Beethoven dramatically quotes the whispered repeated note theme (short-short-short-long) of the preceding scherzo movement. This ominous quotation is like a sudden recollection of past anxiety, and it creates a connection between the last two movements.

This leads into the powerful recapitulation of the fourth movement, preparing for the renewal of the victory over uncertainty.

During the long coda of the finale, earlier themes are heard in altered and quickened versions. Several times, the music keeps going even though the listener thinks it’s coming to an end. Over and over, Beethoven affirms the tonic key and resolves the frenzied tensions built up during the symphony. Such control over tension is an essential element of Beethoven’s genius.