Symphony No. 5, first movement

Ludwig van Beethoven

First listen

Listen once without writing. What do you notice?

Listen closely

1 RHYTHMCan you copy the short opening pattern?

Sentence stemThe opening rhythm is ___.

Vocabulary
  • short
  • repeated
  • strong
  • uneven
2 TIMBREWhich instruments play the pattern?

Sentence stemI hear the pattern played by ___.

Vocabulary
  • strings
  • woodwind
  • brass
  • full orchestra
3 DYNAMICSWhat happens to the volume as the music develops?

Sentence stemThe music becomes ___.

Vocabulary
  • louder
  • softer
  • very loud
  • very quiet
4 PITCHDoes the opening idea stay at one pitch or move higher and lower?

Sentence stemThe opening idea ___ before it ___.

Vocabulary
  • stays similar
  • moves lower
  • moves higher
  • returns
5 TEXTUREHow does the sound change when more instruments join?

Sentence stemThe texture becomes ___ when ___.

Vocabulary
  • thicker
  • fuller
  • more layered
  • the orchestra joins

How does this piece make you feel?

There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?

calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused

Music through time

1808 · Western classical

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