bring us, in measure 107, to the brilliant closing theme with its
staccato, triplet rhythm. The Exposition ends in E minor, in
measure 122, after a series of forte, staccato chords. The Re-
capitulation begins at once after two modulatory chords, and
though sufficient stress is laid on thefirst theme, there is so
much development of previous material that it serves for both
the customary second and third parts. A good deal of adverse
criticism has been expended on this portion of the movement
and it is possible that Brahms’s remarkable technique in han-
dling his material ran away with him. But the music is always
striving toward some goal, and even if it has to plough through
desperate seas, there is no weakness or faltering. This part of
the work is not beautiful in the popular sense of the term, but
no one can fail to be impressed with its character. A climax is fi-
nally reached, in measure 224, with a fortissimo statement of the
chief theme of the prelude, and then, after this has cooled down,
diminuendo e calando, the second theme enters in the home key.
The rest of the recapitulation corresponds closely with the expo-
sition. The Coda begins, in measure 306, with a shadowy outline
of modulatory chords, as if slumbering forces were slowly awak-
ening; and, becoming more crescendo and stringendo, reveals its
full glory at the Più Allegro. This portion, based on quickened
phrases of the first theme, seems charged with superhuman en-
ergy, and mounting higher and higher culminates in a majestic
proclamation of the choral-like motto of the prelude,e.g.
[Music]
On hearing this it always seems as if the heavens above us really
opened. The rest of the Coda is a scene of jubilation with ever
more life and light. The dissonant tones of F-sharp and A-flat
try to lift their heads but this time are crushed forever by the
triumphant fundamental chords of C major,e.g.
[Music]
The movement, in keeping with its serious message, ends with
a prolonged and brilliant Plagal Cadence in which the double
basses and the trombone surge upward with elemental power.