FOURTH MOVEMENT: Finale - Allegro molto
FORM: Synthesis of sonata, rondo, variations
KEY: E flat major

The introduction to this movement begins in a distant key that is later 'corrected' in an abrupt manner.

The principal subject consists of a simple melody with a string bass - one of the most common bass lines - echoed by the wind.

The next section has a slightly comic feel to it, until the brilliant main theme enters (Ex. 6):

Ex. 6
Ex. 6

Ex. 6

The movement now proceeds onto a fugue, with the subject played by the bass. This works up to a climax and moves into a double variation of the tune in a different key. Here, the orchestra repeats the flute's part into a dance-rhythm and after introducing new features (such as the inversion of the subject) the fugue ends with a grand climax. The original bass finally ended with the last fugue.

The tune then slowly enters with variations, the bass later taking on this tune in a huge fortissimo variation.

The coda is one of the greatest Beethoven ever wrote, ending the symphony triumphantly.

Jack Beethoven
Harry Beethoven
Gui Beethoven