Beethoven Symphony No1. In C Major - Bridge Passage (Bars 33-52)

Front 1

Bridge Passage
bars 33-52

(bars 33-41)

Back 1

The bridge passage begins firmly in the key of C major, with a tonic C pedal in bars 33-34

An opening violin motif idea is created - similar to the motif in bar 16, but with a dotted minim-crotchet rhythm

Another feature: descending semiquaver motif (violins bar 34, woodwind bar 36)

Good deal of imitation (antiphonal exchange) between the strings and woodwind, notably in bars 33-41

Front 2

Bridge Passage
bars 33-52

(bars 41-45)

Back 2

Dialogue between strings and woodwind are a common feature of Beethoven's orchestral style

F# in bar 44 established G major

(bars 41-45) the music begins to modulate in a manner that resembles the modulation of the first subject from c to Dminor

This passage is strengthened by its octave texture

Front 3

Bridge Passage
bars 33-52

(bars 46-52)

Back 3

(bars 46-49) exchange between lower strings and woodwind based on G's and descending quavers, is combined with a contrasting homophonic texture - triple-stopping in violins

Beethoven approaches G octaves in bar 52 via C and G chords. Absence of F# indicates an imperfect cadence at this point, and G major is not firmly established by the end of this section