Chris Bonds wrote:

>Speaking of openings--can anyone think of a more original opening for its
>time than the Beethoven violin concerto? Four timpani strokes, played
>softly.  Thematic, of course.  But timpani? Genius!

I can think of one Haydn Symphony 103 "Drum Roll".  First the timpani
then the slow introspective intro which gives way to gradually to the main
theme.  I hear the summary of a life's work here.  I hear the invention of
the steam engine, the wheels of the industrial revolution starting to turn
and a time of change.  This is a special symphony.  Later the drum roll
returns haunting the work.  The seeds of romanticism have been sown.

Sorry to labour the point.

Bob Draper
[log in to unmask]