The first difference between the two composition is the number of movements. Beethoven’s work consists four movements, but Liszt only wrote three. Also, these three movements are named after the three characters from Goethe`s drama (1. Faust, 2. Gretchen, 3. Mephistopheles). Beethoven’s first movement includes ten parts, such as exposition (theme 1, transition, theme 2,), development, recapitulation (theme 1, transition, theme 2) and coda. Liszt`s uses sixth themes which paints detailed pictures of the character`s emotions, psychology, and personality.
The opening of the two composition are similarly unique. Beethoven opens his symphony with four notes played by the lower strings and clarinet which repeated a step lower. The notes are filled with suspense (spiccato) which gives the music a lighter and airier tune that build up to the repetition of the notes. This time these notes are slightly altered so it is a little less grand sounding. Liszt`s opening motive uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale which returns in various places in the movement.
Both symphonies are in sonata form, except Liszt extended his work with an introduction and a coda. Liszt also uses the relatively new additions to the orchestra such as harp, trombones, and tuba.
In the first theme Beethoven uses crescendo and ascension which gives a light texture and juxtaposed with the timpani drums. He also uses imitations and sequences to expand the theme. Liszt applies a double octave (second violins brought up to G#, two octaves above the opening note Ab) which formed by two enharmonic notes. This represents the distance between heaven and earth.
The tone of Beethoven`s second theme is more jubilant and happier. It employs flutes, piccolo and the upper strings to reinforce the difference between the tones of the first and second themes. Liszt uses falling dissonant major seventh at his second theme which gives a pondering and suffering feelings to the music. It is also in E flat major (the relative major) and it features the four-note motif in the string accompaniment.
Beethoven also applied a transition between the first and second theme, so he can tie up the two ideas. The first transition can be heard at the end of the first theme as a short, fortissimo motif played by solo horn. Also, he wrote a development, a recapitulation, and a coda section. The development includes a horn motif, key changes between the tonic and dominant keys. In the coda there is a short descending pattern in the violins which leads to a completely new theme.
In the first movement Liszt uses a process of thematic transformation such as augmentation. Three notes (C, E and Ab) provide the basic underlying tonal plan for the entire symphony. These three pitches converge in the augmented triad that dominates the introduction. C and E are the main tonal centers and A flat is a prominent and organizing pitch.
Liszt`s unique compositional techniques not just add to the original arrangement but it shows the symphony in a different way. He perfectly described the characters purely with music. I cannot choose which piece was better as I really enjoyed listening both composition. It was a great journey to hear first the original piece and than the transcription by Liszt.
Reference:
Beethoven, L., 1804. Beethoven -5Th Symphony, 1St Movement: Allegro Con Brío. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7pQytF2nak> [Accessed 2 October 2019]
Liszt, F., 1857. Liszt: Faust Symphony: 1. Faust. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0KpaXka070> [Accessed 2 October 2019]
Schwarm, B., 2020. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Symphony-No-5-in-C-Minor-Op-67> [Accessed 2 October 2019]
Pécsi Géza, 1998. Key Of The Music. 4th ed. Pécs, Hungary: Kulcs a muzsikához Kiadó, pp.173-175
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