Throughout the course of history there have been many distinct musical periods. Evolving out of some of these timeframes came many musical geniuses such as Mozart, Haydn, Bach, Schubert, Handel, Berlioz, and Beethoven. Each artist carried with them their own sense of style when creating their music. These decisions were a reflection of the musical period in which they were categorized. The two works I chose to analyze in this paper are: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5; first movement, and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique; fourth movement. Each falls under the category of either the Classical Period (Beethoven) or the Romantic Period (Berlioz.)

It is debated whether or not Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is the most memorable musical phrase of all time. I chose the first movement because this is where the rhythmic idea of the three short notes followed by the long note is introduced. This particular part in the symphony is very important because it is the one and only element that dominates the entire symphony. There are two rhythmic themes in the first movement. Already mentioned is the “3 short notes and a long note” followed by the second theme which contains

In the opening of this movement we hear syncopation of horns, timpani, and low strings which give the implication of a dark mood. The first theme is then introduced in a minor scale played by low stings which descend the scale. The second theme is then introduced and includes brass and woodwinds. The whole opening section is then repeated. The development arises and the first theme is reintroduced except this time it is ascending the scale, rather than descending. The movement closes with the idée fixe with the melody played by the clarinet, followed by a loud chord that cuts off the melody.

all quarter notes. This theme contrasts the beginning theme in that it has a smooth contour compared to the expressive and accented rhythm of the first theme.

In this movement we hear a simple melody that will be heard and developed throughout the entire movement. In actuality the first theme rhythm is heard in almost every bar of music in the first movement. The second melody of this theme contrasts the first. The second theme has a smooth line with an overall shape. There are no sudden changes in key or tonality in this piece; although, this is not to say that Beethoven did not use dissonant chords, he just doesn’t resolve them like any other normal resolution we might hear of the time.

Beethoven uses a symphonic orchestra in this piece. Some of the instruments used include: flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, french horns, timpanis, and probably one of the most important sections in this piece; the strings. Beethoven introduces, then reintroduces themes one and two throughout the movement. The strings introduce the first theme with their low plucking, then the horns pick up to lead into theme two. Beethoven mainly uses the h

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