PINCHAS ZUKERMAN PERFORMS BACH
disturbing enough to prompt one critic to write : “ Beethoven ’ s Second Symphony is a crass monster , a hideously writhing wounded dragon that refuses to expire , and though bleeding in the Finale , furiously beats about with its tail erect .”
The Allegro section of the sonata-form opening movement flows directly out of a beautiful , slow introduction . Its first theme emerges quietly in the cellos and violas under a measured violin tremolo , or “ shake .” In fact , the hyperactive violins power the intense nervous energy pervading this work . The second major theme is as energetic as the first is : a brisk , military-sounding march for the woodwinds above more string tremolos .
The second movement , in A major , is an early example of Beethoven ’ s beautiful slow movements ; Donald Francis Tovey calls it “ one of the most luxurious slow movements in the world .” Also in sonata form , it is a peaceful pastorale that brings needed repose from the dynamism of the other movements . Here , Beethoven plays
The BSO
off the lushness of the strings , which introduce the gracious two-part theme , against the plangent woodwinds . The development section moves into a world of gentle pathos in the minor mode .
The sudden alternation of loud and soft is the basis for the scherzo movement ’ s humor . Witty , too , are the seasick swells in the low strings . The trio section pits well-mannered woodwinds against unruly strings that melodramatically insist on a wrong key . But they are soon brought to heel and end decorously with the woodwinds .
The very fast finale is that “ hideously writhing dragon that refuses to expire ”— probably because the composer appended here the first of his gloriously expanded codas . Beethoven will play throughout with the little two-note motive that launches the humorously gruff opening phrase . The extraordinary closing coda begins with a magical harmonic progression : a loud chord in the D-major home key moving unexpectedly to a hushed chord in B minor , which seems to open vistas of a new world . And the whole coda looks to new worlds , which Beethoven explored more deeply in his next symphony , the mighty “ Eroica .”
Instrumentation : Two flutes , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons , two horns , two trumpets , timpani and strings .
Notes by Janet E . Bedell , © 2017
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