Beethovens Fifth Symphony

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

Beethoven's Fifth:

Classical music is still often the most powerful in eliciting an emotion or portraying a feeling. We hear it utilized in many movies and other important social events, for example. However, certain classical music has been utilized in very important events. This is the case with Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, a true symphony of sounds, omnipresent and showing such genius, that it was utilized by American and Allied forces in World War II as a symbol of victory. This paper will discuss the technical aspects of this work of art, as well as how it came to be utilized in such a great event.

The instruments that are utilized to play Beethoven's work vary from most instruments known to us today. One can hear flutes, clarinets, horns, trombones, violins, and other string instruments, oboes and trumpets. It is due to this truly great literal symphony of instruments that the work is so powerful. According to Gutmann,

"Talk about a great hook […] the opening of Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony just could be the most memorable musical phrase of all time."

The composer himself reportedly called it "fate knocking at the door," according to Gutmann. He continues to state that this entire piece of unforgettable music exemplifies the times of the composer but most importantly, the romantic ideal of an extremely expressive, musical journey that not only tells a wonderful story but also provides the listener with what Gutmann calls "an emotional catharsis."

The fact that this piece was utilized in WWII by the Allies is a bit ironic, however, especially when considering that Beethoven was a German composer; yet this piece is so powerful, that it is no wonder that it was chosen for this incredible event in our history. Gutmann also states,

"During World War II [the Fifth Symphony's] suggestion of Morse Code became the powerful symbol of "V For Victory." GI's who didn't know Schumann from shinola knew this was Beethoven and relished the irony of a German's music galvanizing the Allied effort to defeat the horrific murder machine that country had become."

This is truly an interesting statement, but also one that rings true through the ages. As aforementioned, the first few notes are simply so powerful, that they cannot be ignored. The whole work is so powerful that it is no wonder it was utilized as such by the Allies, and Gutmann is certainly right in observing how it came to be so in this amazing ironic twist.