of two measures each. Let us now corroborate these statements
by an examination of the opening sentence of the Scherzo of
Beethoven’sSecond Sonata for Pianoforte. This concise sen-
tence is an epitome of the chief principles of organic musical
expression. At the outset[52] we see the leading motive, which
consists of an ascending broken chord twice repeated. We see
also
[Music]
the first phrase of 4 measures and the second phrase[53] of simi-
lar length, alike subdivided into two sections of 2 measures each.
In the third measure we find a modulation into the dominant
key (indicated by the D-sharp) and in the fourth measure a
cadence with a feminine ending in this key. The second—or
after—phrase corresponds exactly to what has gone before: we
have the same repetition of the motive in a different part of the
scale; and finally, in the 8th measure, a cadence in the home
key, also with feminine ending.
[Footnote 51: This assertion holds for most of our Western Eu-
ropean music; though in Hungarian and Scotch music we find a
natural fondness for phrases ofthreemeasures, and the Croat-
ians are known for their phrases offivemeasures so often used
by both Haydn and Schubert. But it is true that wetendto
think in groups which are some multiple of 2,i.e., either 4, 8,
12 or 16 measures.]
[Footnote 52: Always count the firstcompletemeasure asone.]
[Footnote 53: The two phrases are often designated Thesis and
Antithesis.]
[Music]
When the sentence is played, it is evident how unsatisfactory
would be the effect if a complete stop were attempted at the
4th measure; and how symmetrical and convincing is the im-
pression when the eight measures are considered an unbroken
sweep of musical thought.[54] There are, in fact, a few complete
compositions in musical literature which contain but a single
sentence of eight measures. As an example may be cited the
song from Schumann’sLieder Album für Jugend, op. 79, No.
- (See Supplement No. 19.) For purposes of practical appre-
ciation[55] it is enough to state that a cadence is an accepted