Analysis of the 4th Movement of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony Essay Example

crescendo in the winds recreates the unstoppable power of the wind. The minor tremolos in the strings create a sense of desperation and approximation of the big thunderstorm that begins with an outstanding and abrupt dynamics change, from a pianissimo to fortissimo in full orchestra. The wind and the rain happen at the same time, while the bass keeps building up the tension, predicting the proximity of something even bigger. The woodwinds, the horn, trumpet and timpani increase the sense of urgency with the second violins, which continue the tremolo as a representation of the lack of tranquility in nature.The strain is intensified by the dissonance in the winds and the strings.

The fortissisimo staccato notes in the woodwinds and motifs in parallel motion between the strings and the bassoon create the image of thunder and lightning. The dynamic change to pianissimo releases some tension from the woodwinds; however the suspense is maintained in the contrabass and violoncello through the recurrent parallel motifs and tremolo notes. Sudden changes to fortississimo followed by long periods of only tremolo in the basses creates a sense of seeking tranquility.Bar 50-155The end of the storm is coming; all the forces of nature are starting to calm. The staccato notes in the woodwinds and a motif in the first violin give the audience a sense of upcoming quietness and peace; although, the tremolo continues and the dissonance comes back. As the storm goes away, the dynamics change to pianissimo.

Several modulations anticipate the return of peace and tranquility. The tension of the storms keeps coming back. Calls and answers between the first violin and the flute are emphasized by the

continuing tremolo and the full orchestra themes.The violoncello and contrabass take more active part when the climax of the returning storm appears through sudden dynamic changes to fortississimo. At this point, nature is claiming some harmony and serenity.

Hence, the strings solve the tension and tonal resolution occurs, as the storm comes to its end. Some last lightning motifs and dissonance finally disappear, as the strings modulate several times until getting to a major key. There is a diminuendo that creates a new atmosphere. As the coda brings the whole piece to an end, now in C major, the storm is completely away. The oboe and the flute close the piece representing the birds singing.

The power of this composition confirms Beethoven's genius and mastery. It was able to move my emotions and provoke a reaction I had never felt. The sequence of the piece was like an open book, whose images I could endlessly follow. The flow of energy captured more than my 5 senses, it impacted deep into my soul.

I must recall the Beethoven was a genius, and his genius changed my own definition of music.