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First and Second Movements: Set Work - Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
First and Second Movements: Set Work - Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
Learning objectives:
44 Methods of study
You will be able to take an unmarked copy of the score into the
examination room and will be required to write one essay from a choice
of two. Realistically, you will have about 35 minutes in which to plan and
write your essay, so it is essential that you take every opportunity to learn
how to plan and write essays. You will have a choice between two different
titles and you must consider carefully which of these will enable you to
give the better answer within the time available.
sonata form
44 to look closely at the use of
musical elements.
14
You will need to learn the techniques of musical analysis, starting probably
with simple piano pieces or, perhaps, utilising any music you and your
fellow students are currently learning for a concert or a grade examination.
From such pieces you will be able to appreciate phrase structure,
development of motifs, overall form, tonality, modulation, and so on.
You will need to understand the meaning of sonata form. You may well
be aware of this through KS3 and/or GCSE studies, though it is fully
explained below.
Phrase structure, tonality, modulation, use of instruments, awareness of
texture and form can also be integrated with compositional work.
Tonality
This includes consideration of the use of both major and minor tonalities.
(There is no modal writing in this symphony.) It also covers the possible
reasons behind the choices.
Modulation
During the Classical period, most modulation was to one of the closely
related keys of the original tonic, and you should be familiar with such
links, as shown:
Subdominant
Tonic
Dominant
Relative minor
Relative minor
Relative minor
F major
C major
G major
D minor
A minor
E minor
The second movement has F major as its tonic key, and therefore the
closely related key chart for this movement is:
Bb major
G minor
F major
D minor
Things to do
44
44
44
C major
A minor
Use of instruments
The core of the Classical orchestra was the string section, with the
wind sections often having a more subsidiary role. However, although
the brass instruments were limited to notes of the harmonic series
(see explanation within the analysis on page 22), Beethoven was able
to use these and the woodwind instruments as an independent group
acting as a contrast to the predominant string sound. Despite some
limitations in his resources, Beethoven, like Mozart and Haydn, was
able to write for a wide range of combinations of instrumental timbres,
producing a great variety of textures.
Texture
This refers to whether the writing is homophonic or polyphonic:
these key musical terms are explained in the previous chapter on pages
910, where examples are given of each. The definitions are reproduced
here:
44 Homophonic and polyphonic derive from the Greek and mean one
sound and many sounds respectively.
Thus, homophonic music (sometimes referred to as a harmonic or
chordal texture) is where all parts have independent pitches but the
same rhythms.
44 Polyphonic or contrapuntal music is where each line has its own
melody and rhythm, although there are often close similarities
between the lines.
15
Examiners tip
If, during the course of your analysis,
you give letters to themes and/
or motifs, never simply use these
within an examination answer.
Always give a precise bar or beat
reference. Similarly, never refer
to sections within a movement
without again identifying their
location precisely.
You should never just describe what the composer is doing: rather, you
should comment on the effect of the modulation, melodic shape, choice
of timbre, and so forth, under discussion. It is a matter of observation
to be able to point out that the word-setting is syllabic; it is the role of
analysis to state, for example, that the use of syllabic setting has been
chosen at this specific stage because of its ability to accentuate the
individual words and make their delivery and impact more direct. It is
analysis which will gain you marks in the examination essay answers.
With this set work, musical quotations are not required just precise
reference to the score. However, any such reference should be to
illustrate or exemplify a point you are making. For example, if discussing
Beethovens use of contrasting dynamics, you might refer in movement
one to bars 14 and point out the precise and regular changes from forte
(f) to piano (p), then explain what effect this is having.
44 Background information
Beethoven was born in 1770, in Bonn, in the archbishopric of Cologne.
Although he was baptised on 17 December, there is no record of his
actual date of birth, though this is presumed to be the day before. His
father was a musician and singer at the Electoral Court of Bonn, with
something of a weakness for drink. He looked to Ludwig as a possible
prodigy in the same vein as Mozart. His mother was described as a
gentle, warm-hearted woman. Beethoven referred to her as his best
friend. He was one of seven children, but only the three boys survived,
Ludwig being the eldest.
Beethovens early musical education was from his father and he soon
showed tremendous ability as a pianist and violin (later viola) player.
His music education was taken over by C. G. Neefe (174898), the
court organist. While only eleven, he was able to deputise for Neefe
and was already composing. By 1784, he had been appointed assistant
court organist. He went to Vienna in 1787, but returned on hearing the
news that his mother was dying. He spent the next five years in Bonn,
strengthening his own position at the court chapel and opera, playing
viola in the opera orchestra and generally experiencing a wide range of
music. He was also gaining a reputation as a pianist and soon started
teaching piano. Five years later, he settled in Vienna and studied with
Haydn initially. However, the two did not get on: it is worth remembering
that Haydn would be 60 by this time and an established composer, while
Beethoven was a young man who was anxious to make an impression on
society. Beethoven also reported that Haydn was rather a lackadaisical
16
Beethoven had wealthy patrons, vital in those days and, having been
befriended by Prince Lobkowitz, he had an orchestra available to play his
works.
17
English
Flauti
Flutes (2)
Oboi
Oboes (2)
Clarinetti
Clarinets (2)
Fagotti
Bassoons (2)
Corni
Horns (2)
Trombe
Trumpets (2)
Timpani
Violino I
1st violins
Violino II
2nd violins
Viola
Violas
Violoncello
Cellos
Contrabasso
Double basses
This is exactly the orchestra for which Beethoven wrote this symphony,
with the clarinets, horns and trumpets being in C, meaning that they
are not transposing instruments but sound at the written pitch.
18
Sonata form
Not to be confused with compositions called sonatas, sonata form was
developed during the Classical period and was the mainstay of musical
form for a very long time because of its inbuilt flexibility.
There are three main sections:
44 exposition
44 development
44 recapitulation.
To these, composers would sometimes add:
44 a slow introduction
44 a codetta or short rounding-off section to the exposition
44 a coda or longer rounding-off section after the recapitulation.
Exposition
Here, the main themes or, as they are more usually named, subjects
are presented.
In its simplest form, the pattern is:
44 first tune or subject in the tonic key; this is usually a strongly
rhythmic melodic idea, or masculine tune
44 bridge passage, modulating and leading to
44 second tune or subject in the dominant; this is traditionally a gentler,
more cantabile or feminine melody.
Examiners tip
As you will have an unmarked
copy of the score with you in the
examination room and the examiner
will have a copy to refer to as your
answer is marked, there is usually no
need to write out musical quotations,
although precise reference is
essential, preferably giving bar and
beat numbers.
Development
Here, the composer uses material from the exposition and develops or
varies it, the music passing through a range of keys before returning
towards the tonic for the recapitulation.
Recapitulation
The main themes return, sometimes exactly as in the exposition,
sometimes varied:
44 first subject in the tonic
44 bridge passage, modified and leading to
44 second subject, also in the tonic (or tonic major if the original tonic
was minor).
Additional considerations
44 In the exposition, there may be more than one melodic idea within
the first or second subject.
19
Key terms
Dominant seventh: chord built on
the dominant or fifth note of the
key in C major, the chord of G
with a minor seventh added to
give the chord GBDF.
Perfect cadence: sometimes referred
to as a final cadence, though this
is less satisfactory, as a plagal
cadence can also be referred
to by the same term. A perfect
cadence consists of two chords
to end a phrase: these chords
are the dominant (V) and tonic
(I), though the dominant often
KT1a
appears as a dominant seventh
Reduce
to as small a size as is needed to
fit into
'Key important
Terms' box feature is that
(V7the
). The
the leading note, the seventh note
of the scale, rises to the tonic,
helping to ensure that the music
sounds completed or finished:
V7
V7
VI
V7
VI
1. Adagio molto Allegro con brio (very slow fast and lively)
2. Andante cantabile con moto (at a steady speed but with movement
and in a singing style)
3. Menuetto and trio Allegro molto e vivace (very fast and lively)
4. Adagio Allegro molto e vivace (very slowly very fast and lively)
In the ensuing analysis, bar numbers are given to identify passages,
themes or quotations for example, 4553 refers to bars 45 to 53. Where
a small number follows a bar number, this refers to the actual beat in the
bar, so 77 means the first beat of bar 77.
20
Fl.1
tritone
Fg.1
fp
fp
cresc.
f
Cor 1,2
Fg.1,2
Vl.I,II
f
f
Vla., Vc. e B
From this dominant chord, the violins have a short linking passage to a
more decorated passage which, again, avoids a definite perfect cadence
into C major, although there is a V7dIb cadence (third inversion to first
inversion) in bars 56 and a perfect cadence in bars 78, where the
tonic is finally heard in root position. However, the melody ending on the
third
of the chord makes for a slightly less-than-final ending.
I Ex.2
11
Bars 42124
Fl.1,2, Ob.,
Clt.
tritone
Key terms
V7d
KT6
Ib:
the first inversion of the tonic
Reduce to appropriate size for 'Key Terms' box
chord, i.e. where the third of the
chord is the bass. For example,
from bar 6:
Ib
p
Vl.I
p
p
21
Key terms
Diminution: A rhythmic feature in
which note values are halved so
that an idea is played at double
speed.
sf (sforzandi): this derives from the
Italian word meaning forced
and means that the note should
be played with an accent.
Other composers might use fz,
abbreviated from forzato but with
the same meaning.
Harmonic series: The series of
notes that can be played on a
brass instrument just by altering
the pressure of the lips on the
mouthpiece. As the pitch gets
higher, so the available notes are
closer together.
The first main theme (bars 1317) incorporates the rising semitone
as IEnsure
aEx.3
keythat
feature.
the text Notice
is includedBeethovens predilection for presenting his
motif (bars 13 and 14) and then using a rhythmic diminution of it
(bar 15):
Allegro con brio
13
motif
Vl.1
Fl.1
diminution
semitone
Bars 1933
The counterstatement is on the supertonic (bars 1923) rather than
I Ex.4
the
dominant
moves
from
D minor via a chord of F minor (the
Adjust
to match and
the size
of other
excerpts
submediant minor) in second inversion to V7b in bar 26. From here, the
emphasis is firmly on the dominant with frequent use of sf (sforzandi)
and, in bars 3133 a clear perfect cadence into C major, using the chord
progression IIVIcV7I:
31
Bars 3352
A secondary idea is introduced at this point as the transition theme,
again firmly asserting the tonic and again based on the tonic triad.
Noticeable here is Beethovens use of the wind section to complement
the strings, giving them a clear identity and role within the
symphony:
22
Vl.1
34 Vl.2 8ve basso
sf
Fl.1,2
Cl.1,2
Fg.1
sf
sf
sf
As the woodwind answer the violins opening phrase, flutes, clarinets and
bassoon play at three different octaves, adding their distinctive colours.
This is all played over a tonic pedal played by 2nd bassoon, cellos and
double basses, lasting from bar 33 to 41.
A short sequential passage ensues, based on the quaver motif from this
theme and leading to further conversation between strings and woodwind
(bars 4548), accenting tonic and dominant before finally coming to
rest on the dominant in bar 52 with an imperfect cadence, rather than
actually modulating to the new key.
I Ex.6
Ensure
Bars
5288that all text above and below the excerpt is included
Enter as one complete excerpt
The second subject affords the woodwind another key role as strings
provide the accompaniment to this opening exchange between flute
and oboe:
53
Ob.1
Fl.1
p
Key terms
Tonic pedal: a sustained or repeated
note on the tonic, over which the
harmony changes. Here, the pedal
note is played as repeated quavers.
Syncopation: shifting the emphasis
KT11onto a note or beat that would
Reduce
as much
as needed; consider adjusting
normally
be weak.
horizontally as well as pro rata via the
corner
adjustment
Diminished
seventh: a diminished
sf
sf
Use of syncopation
Notice the rising fourth a link to the first subject and the staccato
arpeggio in the accompaniment a reminder of the last full bar of the
first subject. From bar 65, the use of the syncopation first heard in bars
5758 helps to give rhythmic drive to this section.
This theme is then restated with the violins taking the lead, answered
by flute and oboe. The use of diminished seventh chords (Bdim7 in bar
65 and G#dim7) and further sforzandi add to the dramatic nature of this
passage. A cadence into G major (first inversion) in bars 6869 heralds
the entry of a further idea:
23
Vl.II
Vla.
f
f
69 Vl.I
Ex.1 7addit
77
Ob.1
pp
Vc.
eB
Editbars
the example
such
In bars 7488, the music modulates initially in consecutive
from
that it omits
the end
G major, by flattening the B to produce G minor and thenofmoving
this bar to
as shown
in my
'Comments'
From
this
chords of C minor and F7 to effect a modulation to Bb major.
document.
point, the bass rises chromatically through C minor and F major to D7
(bar 82) and on to G minor (bar 83) and then, via a chord which can be
seen as an A minor chord with a diminished fifth (ACEbG) or as C
minor with an added sixth, to A7 (first inversion) and on to D (bar 85),
which in turn leads to E minor (an interrupted cadence) before a II7b
V7I cadence restores G major (8788).
24
I Ex. 8
Include all text and the dot below the last set of notes
Chapter 2 Set work Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
Excerpt can be 'chopped' just after the last notes - i.e. before the end of the music lines.
The cadential phrase:
+Fl.
Vl.I
Fl.
p
sf
sf
sf
ff
101
Vl.I
Notice how Beethoven takes his initial six-beat phrase and shortens it to
just four beats, thus increasing the drive of the music.
The wind figure (bars 106109) is a slowly descending dominant-seventh
arpeggio with decreasing dynamics in preparation for the p return of the
first subject (exposition).
The same phrase is used to link the exposition to the development,
though the use of the dominant seventh in C major does not, this
time, lead to that key. Instead, there is a sudden f and the chord moves
unexpectedly to A major (first inversion) in bar 110 (a tertiary shift) to
herald the start of the development section.
110
Vl.I
Key terms
Tertiary shift: a type of modulation
in which the music resolves not to
the expected key (as in dominant
to tonic), but to a key a third away
from this tonic. In this case, the
chord of G7 is followed not by the
expected C major but by A major.
Counterpoint: the layering or
interweaving of individual lines or
parts.
Cycle of fifths: a sequence of
modulations where each
successive key is a fifth lower than
the previous one, as in CFBbEb
Ab etc.
Vl.I
Bars 136160
A motif from the transition or bridge passage, first heard in bar 45, is
next to be used. Beethoven now uses this scalic motif to emphasise
Eb major:
25
p
Vl.II
WW.
After two linking bars (152153) from the first violins based on this
I Ex.11
Include all the text; trim after the last note; staccato
red notes quaver
will printmotif,
black a contrapuntal section follows, combining this
motif with the opening idea of the first subject and a further extension
of the syncopated idea from the second subject. This allows a dialogue
between strings and woodwind in bars 144160, with the opening
passage being typical:
Fl.1
Fl.1
Ob.1
p
p
Vl.I,II
Vl.I
Vl.I,II
Vc.
Vc.
e B.
e B.
Fg.1
Ob.1
Key terms
Augmented sixth: this chord is
formed by taking the sixth note of
the scale, flattening it, and adding
KT15(r) a major third and an augmented
Trim the excerpt
as closeitto(as
the shown
music below).
sixth
above
and text as
possible
Insert as There
one example,
including
the texttypes of
are, in
fact, three
augmented sixth: Italian, French
and German. The Italian also adds
a fourth, the German a fifth. So, in
C major:
Italian
French
German
Bars 160177
Beethoven marks this ff, as if underlining the fact that this is most
unusual, occurring as it does at a point in the movement where the
tonality
I Ex.12 should be returning to the dominant of C major, prior to the
Include all text
recapitulation.
However, A minor and its dominant remain until bar
173, the passage being based on a rising scale passage already a feature
of the slow introduction (bar 734 and bar 1213) and a presence within
the exposition (see bar 3940 and 7576), but here it follows as an
extension of the opening motif of the first subject:
ff
26
WW.
ff
ff
Strings
in octaves
Examiners tip
Passages such as this (bars
1782041) would be very useful
in an examination question which
requires a comparison between the
exposition and the recapitulation.
Bars 178204
I Ex.13 The first subject makes a triumphant return in C major, the melody now
Trim as close to the stave as possible;
played
in octaves
bythe
allfinal
woodwind
and string instruments while the brass
O.K. to trim
immediately
after
note
Examiners tip
WW
Vl.I
Vl.II
8ve.b
Vla.
Vc.
e B
sf
Bars 204230
A two-bar phrase is heard twice before a simple rising and falling staccato
quaver passage (bars 202203) leads to a chromatically decorated G (bars
203204) and a descent to C for the return of the second subject in the
tonic key.
On the return of the second subject on the last beat of bar 205, the
woodwind play their melodic motif in dialogue, further underlining the
important role given to this family of instruments by Beethoven:
27
Again, the rising, staccato crotchet figure derived from the last beats of
the first subject (bars 1617) forms the accompaniment and underlines
the chord sequence IIIV7I. The syncopated figure is then restated
with different orchestration before the second subject is restated from
the last beat of bar 213. On this occasion, the rising staccato crotchets
are harmonised: previously this happened only in bars 6465 of the
exposition, but now such harmonisation takes place in bars 214, 216
and 218.
The recapitulation proceeds in the manner of the expositions bars 6568,
leading, as there, to the dramatic passage of repeated string semiquavers
and loud chords from woodwind and brass (compare bars 222225 with
bars 6972). Contrary-motion scale passages lead to a perfect cadence
into C major (bars 229230).
Bars 230241
This tonality is immediately contradicted by the introduction of Eb,
darkening the key to C minor for a return of the bass melody, first heard
from bar 77. These passages correspond in length and, relative to their
initial tonality, to the range of keys visited. Here, the music moves to
the chord of F minor and onto Bb dominant seventh for a modulation to
Eb major (the flattened mediant). Again, the timbre of the oboe is used
to telling effect, sustaining a high Bb before descending to repeated Fs.
The softer, more mellow tone of the clarinet answers this from bar 235,
doubled an octave lower by the bassoon in its tenor register.
From bar 234, chords of F minor7 in first inversion (or they could be seen
as Ab with an added sixth), Bb and G7 (first inversion) lead the music back
to C minor. But this is a section of great tonal unrest and, immediately,
the tonal centre shifts again: a chord of F minor with an added sixth
(or, again, it could be regarded as a diminished chord: DFAbC in
first inversion) leads to an F# diminished seventh, rising to G7. The
chromatic rise continues as the G rises to G# (a diminished seventh) and
on to A minor before chords of II7b and V7 resolve to C major in bar 241.
Bars 241259
From this point until bar 259 the recapitulation corresponds with the
ending of the exposition, using the same codetta material.
28
8ve
Vla.
p
Vl.I
261
Vc., B
Notice the echo in the lower strings. Beethoven repeats this passage
sequentially, using A7 to modulate to D minor by bar 267. One further use
of this idea effects a return to C major (bar 271). From this point, all but
the lower strings (violas, cellos and double basses) play on the beat, using
the progression CFGG#dim7 to modulate to A minor (bar 273) before
enforcing this key change with the progression FGG#dim7Am in bars
273275. A repeat of the chord of F in the second half of bar 275 suggests
a further repetition, but Beethoven continues this time with a cadential
64 into C major (bars 276277), thus regaining the tonic.
From this point, the only chord we hear is this tonic chord, an extended
blaze of C major triumph. Initially, Beethoven uses sustained chords and
the main first subject theme, altering just one note to transform the end
of it into a tonic triad (compare bars 1617 with bars 279280). From
bar 277, the highest note of the sustained chord (flute 1) rises at each
occurrence, first to E and then to G. From bar 288 to 293, the rising and
falling triad of C major is heard in octave crotchets, with some imitation
in the horns and trumpets and a C pedal in the timpani. Notice the use of
tremolo in some of the string parts from bar 277 as well as the use of sf and
ff, underlining the sense of climax.
The movement ends emphatically with five crotchet chords of C major.
44 Things to do
KT17
Include the text below the stave
Trim immediately after the last note
Key terms
Cadential 64: the use in a cadence
of chord I in second inversion
followed by chord V:
Ic
Played
this movement; give each a name or reference letter and note the key of
each appearance.
3 Plot a diagram to show Beethovens use of keys and key relationships: relate
4 Comment on the ways in which Beethoven has varied his musical ideas
and differences.
6 Comment critically upon Beethovens use of texture and timbre in this first
movement. (Note: this exercise can be done for any of the other elements
of music as well.)
Key term
Anacrusis: this is where one or more
unstressed notes is heard before
the main first beat and first full
bar; sometimes referred to as an
upbeat.
29
II Ex.1
Include text
Trim immediately after last note
movement, it is based on the tonic triad, this time the chord of F major,
as the movement is in the subdominant, and is played by second violins,
unaccompanied:
Key terms
p
Vc.
Vl.I
II Ex.3
Trim as close to the music as
Vl.1
Vl.II,Vla.,Vc.
print black
30
Bars 5364
A further new theme ensues, notable for the quietly persistent rhythm on
the timpani, utilising the fact that the timpani are tuned to C and G to
underpin this final section, or codetta. The Gs, simultaneously sustained
II Ex.4
in the trumpets, form a long dominant pedal, over which the staccato
N.B. Includefigure,
instrument
names
excerpt.
triplet semiquaver
first heard
in within
bar 45,
is now used extensively. The
accompanying chords, alternating between strings and wind, set up a twobeat rhythm against the three-beat phrasing of the melodic line (flutes and
first violins).
The final cadence harks back to the rising fourth that opened this movement
and leads either to the repeat of the exposition or on into the development.
3
54
3
3
3
Vl.I
Fl.8ve.
p 3
3
3
3
3
Ob.,
Cl.,Fg.
Vl.II
Vla.,Vc. p
Timps.
p
82
p
f
p f
p
p
f
f
Again, the different colours of the wind instruments are well
exploited
31
II Ex.6 Again the different colours of the wind instruments are well exploited
Include the
text;
the red
note
will print
black between strings and wind (bars
(bars
8185)
before
a section
of dialogue
Key term
Vl.I Ob.1
f
p
95
The first subjects entry overlaps the first violins descending phrase in
bar 100. It is again played by the second violins, but this time the cellos
add a skittish countermelody:
Vl.II
pp
pp
Vc.
cresc.
cresc.
Bars 126162
Examiners tip
Keep your answer focused on the
question. Do not make subjective
comments.
32
II Ex.9175
Include text; trim after final note
sf
sf
sf
The dotted rhythm returns in the second violins and violas from this
point, as, over tonic and dominant harmonies, Beethoven uses the rising
quaver figure and an extended version of bar 3 of the first subject to form
a cadence figure:
p
p
KT23
Trim close to the stave and
after the actual note
Ob.1
Key term
Acciaccatura: also known as a crush
note: a type of grace note where
the note is literally crushed in and
played in as little time as possible.
It is notated as a
II Ex.10
This phrase is repeated with the addition of a rising scale in the flute
(bars 188190). The final bars are light-hearted as Beethoven introduces
an acciaccatura in the strings followed by two quavers in the horns,
before the flute also plays the acciaccatura leading to the final forte
perfect cadence in F major and three chords of F major, piano.
p
Vl.I
Cor (F)
pp
Ob.
pp
pp
Vl.II
Fl. pp
pp
p
f
p
f
f
p
p
f
Vc. e B
33
44 Things to do
1 Listen to the slow movement of Beethovens String Quartet in C minor Op. 18,
No. 4, written in 1800, for an example of a similar theme and an ending on the
dominant taken as the cue to introduce the second subject in that key.
movement; give each a name or reference letter and note the key of each
appearance.
4 Plot a diagram to show Beethovens use of keys and key relationships: relate
5 Comment on the ways in which Beethoven has varied his musical ideas within
6 Compare the recapitulation with the exposition, pointing out similarities and
differences.
7 Comment critically upon Beethovens use of texture and timbre in this second
movement. (Note: this exercise can be done for any of the other elements of
music as well.)
34
Examination-style questions
Questions in the examination will relate to Beethovens use of form,
tonality, instrumentation and the other elements of music. One, two
or three elements may be included within the scope of the question.
Alternatively, the question may take the form of a quotation or
statement that would engage you in a more general discussion, perhaps
relating to genre, context or a more general analysis of the use of the
musical elements.
Questions will focus on a movement, a large section of a movement
(such as exposition, development or recapitulation), a comparison of
two sections or, and this is less likely, may involve some comparison
between the two prescribed movements. Therefore, there will be no
questions focusing on very short passages.
You must make sure that you identify the precise meaning of the
question and keep it in mind as you plan and then write your essay.
Keep your comments succinct and try to find as many points as you
can, referring to specific bars, phrases or passages in the symphony to
support and illustrate your answer.
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