Beethoven:The Heroic Period

[across the top]Nb: 1 Cues for the other instruments are to be written

into the first violin part

Sinfonia GrandeIntitulata Bonaparte

[1]804 im Augustdel Sigr.

Louis van BeethovenGeschrieben

auf BonaparteSinfonia 3 Op. 55

[at the bottom]Nb: 2. The third horn [part] is so written that it

can be played by a primario as well as a secundario

[across the top]Nb: 1 Cues for the other instruments are to be written into the first violin part

Sinfonia Grande [written by copyist]

Intitulata Bonaparte [scratched out violently, made a hole] [1]804 im August

del Sigr. [written by copyist]

Louis van Beethoven [written by copyist]Geschrieben [in pencil, in Beethoven’s own hand]auf Bonaparte [in pencil, in Beethoven’s own hand] Sinfonia 3 Op. 55[at the bottom]Nb: 2. The third horn [part] is so written that it can be played by a primario as well as a secundario

Beethoven’s expansion of sonata formin the Third Symphony

Opening two chordsDeceptively simple theme for four measures

Repeat of opening theme, ffThree-note transition figure in woodwinds (oboe, clarinet, flute)

Second theme, alternating between woodwinds and strings

Extended crescendo, from pp to ff, coupled with increasing note values and expansion of range

Rhythmic energy, typical of Beethoven’s “heroic” works

New theme introduced in the development section

Horn entrance at “wrong” time, creating unexpected dissonance, immediately before recapitulation

“Apparent” ending of the movement, but then Beethoven slides down three notes to begin a greatly expanded coda, a “second development”

The real end of the first movement

Second movement: Marcia funebreC minor again—Beethoven’s “key of tragedy”

Third movement: Scherzo, beginning

Trio – begun by the horns

Acceleration, drive to the end

Finale [begins with prolonged dominant harmony]Introduction and theme

Fugal treatment of theme. Counterpoint becomes important in Beethoven’s middle period, and even more so in his late works.

Closing chords, similar to opening chords of first movement, and chords that end each of the movements.