It is the spirit and emotion that are different
In addition to spiritual content, this symphony also sets an example in structure and development form, from which we can understand the essence of symphonic music. "Destiny" is the most outstanding representative of symphonic music. It is regarded as the crystallization of symphonic ideals and the most concentrated and convincing embodiment of "symphonic thinking". Its first movement is based on a theme composed of four notes written in two tones, which is the minimum that a musical theme can achieve. The subject is highly concentrated and charges forward with irresistible force. The development of the entire movement results in a complete elaboration of the theme, and only then do we see its full significance. In its short four notes, it condenses the energy and essence of the entire movement (and even the entire song). It is extremely concise, sharp and full of inner tension. It has prepared endless energy for its own development and exerts shocking energy and charming dynamics in its continuous expansion. Such a condensed theme is never seen in later Romantic symphonies. The musical themes of the Romantics were fascinated by the long lyrical atmosphere, and were truly "fascinated by five colors" - mainly timbre, harmony and the color of emotional imagination. Music gained greater "freedom", but it was in classical music. -ism - especially achieved by Beethoven, because the unquestionable power shown by the logical inevitability of the theme has since been greatly reduced. The development of the theme is very different from this. Classicism takes the motivation of the theme as the first element. The whole song is a process of continuous enrichment of the theme, and the theme is the summary of the whole song. Romanticism has many beautiful and expressive melodies, but it's a little awkward to use them as themes that drive musical ideas. Because such a long lyrical theme has already expressed its full meaning when it is just presented, and no longer has the potential for sustainable development, so we have to constantly seek new melodies to expand, and finally the colors become richer and stronger. Strong thematic advancement is rare. There are too many melodies, and it will inevitably appear sloppy when processed. Although some romantic music works are lyrical, they sound difficult to grasp in a clear direction, and they feel that they are not as easy to understand as classical works. This is the reason. No one thinks they can't understand "Symphony of Destiny" - although in fact its musical language is extremely concise and rich. The first theme stumbles and climbs, overcoming ninety-nine and eighty-one difficulties, and has been violently impacting at the center of the music. It is not so much a short melody as it is a furious rhythm. The two are inseparable, but the rhythm plays a greater role. Given that the impact of this theme is obvious and that it is so famous, the less well-known second theme especially requires our attention to enrich our understanding of the first theme.
As soon as the first four notes appear, they launch a fierce offensive, mixed with panic, anger and heroic emotions that make people moved, becoming the master of every note. All the notes are involved in the battlefield, participating in this battle, and the consciousness of "destiny" is witnessed. After the smoke filled the air, the horns sounded together, ushering in the tearful second theme in the flames of war: 5 1` | 7 1` | 2` 6 | 6 5 | This melody is smooth and sweet, carrying warmth and comfort. Enter the mind of a "warrior". Under the leadership of the opening motive, the entire movement is tightly organized and highly unified. The position of the second theme cannot be compared with it. However, we should really taste this melody carefully to see what is still hidden in the heart of the brave first theme. With so much love.
The second movement, smooth Andante. The double bass plucked quietly and imperceptibly from behind, and the viola and cello introduced the broad first theme of Magnolia, which set the background of this movement with tranquility and pathos. Then there is a lament played by wind instruments, which appears again and again in the same appearance, and the deep melancholy in it is unforgettable. The second theme is a mighty war song, like the rhythm of a march, issuing a call to still fight. This movement is a rest for warriors, and their heroic feelings sink into deep thought in the dusk.
There is no break between the third movement and the fourth movement. The two movements are played one after another, which further highlights the dramatic power of the music. Ahead is an alert mind restlessly watching, waiting, and comparing various forces. The suppressed breath and latent firepower poured out like an overwhelming force as the bugle sounded in the fourth movement. This is a battle between man and "destiny", a suffocating and fierce struggle.
Did Beethoven win? I don’t have the answer, but who among us can remain a bystander and not join the fight? !