[+] Kamien, Roger. "The Slow Introduction of Mozart's Symphony No. 38 in D, K. 504 'Prague': A Possible Model for the Slow Introduction of Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 36." Israel Studies in Musicology 5 (1990): 113-30.
The slow introduction of Beethoven's Second Symphony bears a striking resemblance to Mozart's introduction to his symphony K. 504. A number of features are similar, including the chord progressions, the length (of the entire introduction, the second section, and the concluding pedal point), the enharmonic reinterpretations of preceding chromatic tones, the use of mode mixture in the second section, melodic details, and the rhythmic acceleration that prepares the opening Allegro. Yet Beethoven also departs from his Mozart model, for instance in composing a more symmetrical, shorter opening section. Beethoven's sketches for the symphony further indicate the existence of a link to Mozart's introduction.
Works: Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36.
Sources: Mozart: Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K. 504, Prague.
Index Classifications: 1800s
Contributed by: Tamara Balter
