Theme
The dotted notes emphasise the second beat of the bar, giving this song-like theme something of the character of a Sarabande. Its "dignifed, meditative feel is strengthened by emphasis on the tonic E", which is reached through the falling third in bars 1 and 3, and later through other, wider intervals such as the falling fifth in bar 5 and the rising minor sixth in bar 7. Bars 1-2 are present in various shapes throughout the first eight bars. Bars 1-2 and 5-6 are based on a common thematic shape: G♯-E-D♯-B; bars 3-4 and 7-8 are based similarly on G♯-E-F♯-A♯-B.
Read more about this topic: Piano Sonata No. 30 (Beethoven), Analysis, Third Movement
Famous quotes containing the word theme:
“One theme links together these new proposals for family policy—the idea that the family is exceedingly durable. Changes in structure and function and individual roles are not to be confused with the collapse of the family. Families remain more important in the lives of children than other institutions. Family ties are stronger and more vital than many of us imagine in the perennial atmosphere of crisis surrounding the subject.”
—Joseph Featherstone (20th century)
“This is certainly not the place for a discourse about what festivals are for. Discussions on this theme were plentiful during that phase of preparation and on the whole were fruitless. My experience is that discussion is fruitless. What sets forth and demonstrates is the sight of events in action, is living through these events and understanding them.”
—Doris Lessing (b. 1919)
“She is a theme of honor and renown,
A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds,
Whose present courage may beat down our foes,
And fame in time to come canonize us.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)