Beethoven is the only composer to whom an entire chapter in our textbook is dedicated. Consequently, from a stylistic point of view we can conclude that: there is music before Beethoven, Beethoven’s music, and music after Beethoven. In Discussion 8 the class considered the Classical and the Romantic style traits found in all four movements of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Which parts of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony are Classically derived and which parts are Romantically inspired? Start by comparing and contrasting how the sonata form is used by Beethoven as opposed to the sonata form in the earlier symphonies of the Classical composers, such as Haydn and Mozart. Next, briefly mention the Classically and Romantically inspired features of the final three movements of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
