tempest question

[pianistimo]

in measure 142 at the largo - we have a section asking for 'with simple expression.'  when i played this many years ago - i just played it - slowly - but didn't really know what it meant to me or to beethoven.  does this section come from any chorale that u know --or does it have a sort of dialogue that goes along with 'the tempest.'  it's been awhile since i've studied this and am wondering about it's dreamy quality right in the middle of the storm.  what does it mean to u?

[nick]

Not sure what he was getting at on that section other than a nice lyrical melody and contrast with the "storm" Pianistimo. When I first heard it I was like what the ..... Now that I am working on the piece and have played it many times, it sounds a bit better but I think only because of repeat listening and the contrast factor. I love the following section bridging to key change of themes. What you say?

Nick

[phil13]

It seems very similar to the lyrical oboe solo in the 5th symphony, 1st mvt.- same place, same quality, same reason for being there.

It seems to just be a lyrical contrast- a break in the storm. However, I think it's also a break for the listener just before it goes rumbling into the recapitulation, after the main theme is stated.

Notice the similarities between these two sections?

Phil

[sjskb]

just my two cents: i would play it as if it's a recitative. however, i wouldn't do too much rubato. just play the notes naturally. Don't forget to pedal through!!

[pianistimo]

thank you all for the responses!  i will go and listen to the fifth symphony again  - interesting you brought that up, phil13 - as it's a good comparison of his compositional processes.  and the idea of a recitative fits very well.  it almost seems as though he is speaking some words.  was wondering if there was any particular melody he was imitating as well.?  perhaps he was imitating a soprano he'd heard - but i also hear the range of the oboe.  hmm.  since the oboe was a relatively new instrument - maybe he was conceiving some of his sonatas for different forms - and wanted to include that instrument effectively just incase he came back and reworked the sonata for orchestra.