Page:Rolland - Beethoven, tr. Hull, 1927.pdf/205

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This favourite work is one of the great master pieces of music. The first and last movements sound the clear note of Beethoven's personality a king here comes to his own. The first movement opens with a veritable quatrain of musical poetry. The gay martial swing of the second subject is remarkable. Stormy episodes follow, and the development section commences with a new idea. Conflict succeeds conflict before the serenity of the exposition returns. The beautiful Adagio flows along with a solemn majesty, although there are one or two short dramatic points. The Scherzo, bright and tuneful, somewhat naive, does not give us the fulness of the real Beethoven which we get in the sombre, energetic and passionate Finale.

After the stormy power and the serene beauties of the Sonata in C minor (a key which always called forth Beethoven's best) this Sonata appears somewhat colourless. The long drawn Tempo