What Makes It Great? Beethoven's Fifth

With RDSO's Beethoven's Fifth concert just around the corner, it's time to look at a masterpiece that stands as a pillar of Western art music: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Even if the term "classical music" seems daunting, this piece is universally recognized. That iconic four-note opening - "duh-duh-duh-DUH" - is arguably the most famous musical motif in history. (Ya know, this one.....)

Can you say drama?

Why has this work maintained its profound impact and relevance for over two centuries? It's more than just a famous tune; it's a revolutionary musical statement.

The Motif

The genius of the Fifth begins with those first four notes. They are not just an attention-grabbing hook; they are the fundamental building block for the entire first movement and beyond. This tiny four-note motif is an example of incredible economy in composition. Beethoven takes this short, assertive rhythmic figure and subjects it to constant variation: twisting it, expanding it, and using it as the driving force behind every phrase. It creates a sense of powerful, relentless energy and immediate drama that was unprecedented for its time.

From Conflict to Victory

One of the symphony's most enduring appeals is the powerful emotional arc it traces across its four movements. It’s a compelling narrative often interpreted as a journey from darkness to light, or conflict to resolution:

• The First Movement is defined by tension, struggle, and an insistent, almost warlike character.

• The lyrical Second Movement offers a beautiful, meditative contrast, a moment of profound reflection.

• The dramatic Third Movement is a restless scherzo, which builds tremendous suspense. This suspense leads to the most electrifying transition in music:

The minor fall, the major lift.

The Triumphant Finale

The shift from the third movement to the fourth is a moment of pure musical brilliance. Instead of concluding the scherzo, Beethoven creates a mesmerizing, slow, and tense crescendo that suddenly explodes into the Finale.

This final movement is a glorious declaration of triumph, shifting the symphony from the turbulent key of C minor to a celebratory C major. To amplify the scale of this victory, Beethoven expands the orchestration, notably by introducing the trombones - a first for a symphony. This addition of brass adds a brilliance and power that cements the movement as one of the most exhilarating conclusions in the symphonic repertoire.

A Testament to the Human Spirit

Ultimately, the power of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony lies in its ability to transcend its musical building blocks and connect to the human condition: It mirrors the universal experience of overcoming adversity. Composed while Beethoven was grappling with the devastating reality of his increasing deafness, the symphony is often seen as an audible expression of his own personal resilience and ultimate victory over fate. It remains a potent, powerful, and captivating piece of music that speaks to struggle, perseverance, and achievement.

Join the RDSO on November 15th to hear this incredible work of art live at the RDP Arts Centre! Visit www.rdso.ca for tickets and more information.