Question

Why was Beethoven's 5th Symphony considered so revolutionary? Why is this piece so famous now? What can you find on the Internet concerning this work? After listening, what is your reaction to it?

Please use your own words and do not copy from website.

Answer 1

Why was Beethoven's 5th Symphony considered so revolutionary? Why is this piece so famous now?

Beethoven's 5th symphony is universally revolutionary and famous because it combines the genius of making a whole large work essentially out of a few small fragments and yet weaves those fragments together into a surprising and complex work that immediately, surprisingly sounds somehow familiar, even to one who has never heard it.

What can you find on the Internet concerning this work?

It is the fifth of Beethoven's nine symphonies. It was written between 1804 and 1808. This symphony is one of the most popular and well-known works of classical music. There are four movements: an opening sonata allegro, a slower andante, and a fast scherzo which leads straight in to the finale.

One another interseting fact I found about this work is: During World War II, the opening motif of Beethoven's 5th Symphony became a powerful symbol for the Allied forces. The song was broadcast on Radio-Londres, when the Allied forces sent the first messages to France to prepare for attack.

After listening, what is your reaction to it?

It is a superb classical composition. The opening four-note rhythmic motif is repeated throughout the symphony, unifying it. It is a rhythmic pattern (dit-dit-dit-dot) that makes its appearance in each of the other three movements and thus contributes to the overall unity of the symphony.