The
first
movement
of
Beethoven’s
Symphony
No.
5
(Allegro
con
brio) is
in
sonata‐allegro
form
and
begins
with
the
predominating
theme
that
characterizes
the
entire
work.
This
rhythmic
motive
serves
as
the
primary
theme
in
the
exposition
of
this
movement,
provides
the
momentum
toward
several
transitions,
and
provides
the
cadential
drive
at
the
conclusion
of
the
movement.
The
first
utterance
of
this
motive
contains
fermati,
which
disrupts
the
meter
of
the
piece
and
gives
it
an
improvised
or
primal
feel.
As
the
exposition
comes
into
full
stride,
the
rhythmic
motive
is
repeated
through
every
voice,
while
C
minor
tonality
is
established.
As
the
first
theme
comes
to
an
abrupt
end
at
m.
58,
the
primary
rhythmic
motive
is
manifested
into
the
parallel
key
of
Eb
Major
through
a
horn
call
at
m.
59,
which
bridges
to
the
second
theme.