I have long been drawn to icon notation and when my son introduced me to smalin on YouTube I was instantly captivated. The process used to make this video and others like it are listed in the comments below it. Here are some prompts I have created to help engage your listening:
1) Tally how many times you hear the short short short long motif. The opening section of this movement is known as the Exposition.
2) Write down the solo instruments you hear throughout the movement
3) How many themes (short melodies) are there after the horn solo (starting around the 1st minute mark)? 1? 2? or 3?
4) Everything starts over at about 1:30. Why do you think Beethoven did this?
5) At the 3 minute mark we enter the Development, the themes are restated, shortened, lengthened and given different dynamics etc. Do you have a favorite type of change?
6) Beethoven takes the motif all the way down to one pitch buidling intensity that is finally resolved with what is called the Recapitulation at 4:18. Why do you think this phase of the movement is called the Recapitulation?
7) Exposition, Development, and Recaptitulation are what make up this movement that is in Sonata Allegro Form a common tool used by composers in the Classical Era. Why is it important for listeners to know the form of the music?
8) Beethoven ends the movement with long drawn out restatements of the 4 note motif (Coda). This symphony is made up of 4 movements. What do you think the second movement will be like? Faster? Quieter? In 3? Dance like? Other ideas?
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