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TitlePresentation and musical analysis
Third movement
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TitleThe Violin Concerto Op.61: Third Movement (Rondo: Allegro)

The third movement is built around the lively Rondo form (in which one main theme - the Refrain - is repeated in a cycle interspersed with different des) and also includes a number of classic Sonata features: the three-part symmetry, harmonic structure and the fact that the first episode - which returns as the third episode - acts as the 2nd theme of the Sonata. This varied form, known as the Rondo Sonata, can be found in some of Mozart's works; Beethoven went on to use it frequently in the last movements of the works of his second period.

Section Part
in the
Forma Sonata
Tonality Motif Performer Approach
Refrain 1st

T
H
E
M
E
E
X
P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N
D

M
a
j
o
r
A
solo
bars
1-4
Soloist The Refrain is introduced by the soloist, in low and high registers in sequence. The theme is repeated, forte, by the entire orchestra.
A'
tutti
bars
21-24
Orchestra
1st Episode 2nd

T
H
E
M
E
B
"caccia"
bars
45-49
Soloist
+
Orchestra
The soloist embellishes the melody over a typical "corni da caccia" ("bugle") theme.
C
retransition
bars
59-62
Soloist
+
Orchestra
The second part of the episode gradually takes us back to the main key and Refrain, which the orchestra introduces by reworking fragments of the theme.
Refrain C
O
D
A
A
solo
Soloist The consequent to the refrain, bars identical until the last of the Tutti where it takes on a different pace to introduce the central episode.
A'
tutti
Orchestra
2nd Episode D
E
V
E
L
O
P
M
E
N
T
g

m
i
n
o
r
D
bars
126-130
Soloist
+
Orchestra
This contrasting Episode is lyrical and expressive; the counterpoint between the bassoon and solo violin is particularly melodic.
D' Soloist
+
Orchestra
D'' Soloist
+
Orchestra
Reconduction        
Refrain 1st

T
H
E
M
E
R
E
C
A
P
I
T
U
L
A
T
I
O
N
D

M
a
j
o
r
A
solo
Soloist The first theme is repeated, first by the soloist and then by the entire orchestra.
A'
tutti
Orchestra
3rd Episode 2o

T
H
E
M
E
B'
bars
210-222
Soloist
+
Orchestra
The third Episode, a variation on the first Episode, is characterised by the hunting theme and embellishments by the Soloist, followed by a gradual return to the main key.
The return of motif A is preceded by the
C ' Soloist
+
Orchestra
Cadenza       Cadenza (composed by Fritz Kreisler).
Reconduction   A''
bars
282-284
Orchestra A "false recapitulation" in a distant tonality delays the return of the theme which is developed one last time before the final chords are heard.
  A'''
false
recapit.
bars
293-296
Soloist
Coda Development

and

Cadence
  A''''
bars
315-319
Orchestra
+
Soloist
 
  A'''''tutti
bars
329-332
Orchestra
+
Soloist
The final chords bring the concerto to a magnificent conclusion; motif A is repeated one last time by the soloist before the orchestra plays out the finale.
  A''''''
codetta
bars
349-360
Soloist
+
Orchestra
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