Taylor 1
Anthony Taylor
Topic # 2
Essay # 2
21 January 2015
Beethoven “Joy Theme” Symphony #9, IV
The monophonic beginning in Beethoven’s Symphony #9 is somewhat dull. The bass
sound of the large string instruments with no accompaniment leave us anxious for
something exciting to happen. It is immediately recognizable as the beginning of a type of
theme song belonging to a romantic comedy or a commercial that shows people enjoying
themselves leading up to a comedic problem. Some random percussion taps sounding like
a snare are thrown in giving a feeling that the first minute of this work could be some type
of warm-up or informal practice.
The polyphonic texture kicks it up a notch when the melody jumps an octave and the
accompaniment of a wind instrument is recognized. The feeling becomes more excitable,
but still somber as if to be content with one’s thoughts. This theme could be heard in a
movie during a moment of a character self-reflecting on one’s life or a relationship. This
texture is contrapuntal due to the two melodies fitting together.
A higher wind instrument like a flute becomes more prevalent when the theme raises
another octave. Reflection becomes answers like in a comic strip when a light bulb is
presented above a characters head. It is at this moment we realize how exciting this work
might present itself.
When the octave raises a third time, we recognize the homophonic texture when the
orchestra and trumpet are recognized. This theme might be identified with comedic clips
found in movie previews showing accidental outtakes. It provides a happy feeling while
witnessing other’s grief. The overall feeling of this sample allows a mood change from sad
to joyous and can be infectious.