Review of Beethoven's 5th Symphony

            At times, Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony serves as the perfect soundtrack for an epic battle.  At other points in the music, it seems to illustrate a peaceful place with little noise.  In its entirety, Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony serves as a highly versatile piece of music that can be appreciated whether one is listening absent-mindedly or paying close attention to the complexity of the piece.

            When listening to Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony on Copland’s most simple plane of listening, known as the sensuous plane, one experiences a wide range of responses, depending on which section of the piece they are listening to.  At the onset of the piece, one is likely to be taken aback by the abrupt and exciting beginning.  If listening to the piece for the purpose of simple background music, one is likely to have their attention jolted to the piece instead of their primary task.  From this exciting introduction, Beethoven’s piece alternates between peaceful, beautiful melodies to starkly different sections of powerful and dark swells of music.

            As one listens to Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony on what Copland describes as the expressive plane, the piece is likely to evoke feelings of victory and epic triumph even to those listening in the comfort of their own home.  The swells in music give the impression that a major battle has just been won, and celebration is in order.  The softer pieces of music contrast well with these swells - bringing to mind images of couples dancing or a serene landscape.  At times, this piece makes one feel uneasy, and then, in a strange turn of events, turns that uneasiness to serenity.  If nothing else, Beethoven’s 5^th symphony is enjoyable in that it allows one to experience a wide range of emotions in one piece.

            To the inexperienced and untrained listener such as myself, it is difficult to discern complex musical patterns in pieces such as Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony.  That being said, it is undeniable the skill Beethoven shows in incorporating the strings and horns in such a way as to produce wonderful texture-rich melody in an exciting tempo.  The volume of the piece is also manipulated in such a way as to be made memorable; at times the volume swells to give the sense of victory while at other times the music is so soft as to barely be heard.  Whether or not one can note the different instruments that are used in the piece or in what way the notes are arranged, Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony can be enjoyed in numerous ways and is highly recommended to any lover of music.