<P> PART I (Adagio - C minor). The extended introduction begins with a murky and ominous descending four - note sequence in the strings, which is followed by a tragically - rendered "anticipation" of the movement's joyous' Alphorn' theme . This is followed by a passage of pizzicato string notes, plucked in two - note groups passed between the high - and low - pitched instrument sections, which rises in tempo and volume until the prior tragic theme re-emerges in a short reprise . This is followed by a second passage of pizzicato strings, which is resolved in a sudden shift to a rising set of modulations in the woodwinds followed by a set of rapid arpeggios in the strings leading to the grand entrance of the Alphorn theme in C major . </P> <P> PART II (Più andante - C major). The horns, including the first entry of the trombones, introduce the Alphorn theme with a "noble and grand presentation" over a "shimmering cloudscape" of strings, in "one of the classic orchestral moments of the nineteenth century". As the horns conclude the performance of the Alphorn tune, it is given to the flutes to recite . This leads to a mellow chorale in the brass, to be concluded with the transition to the exposition . The first three notes of the Alphorn theme create are presented in a swelling crescendo which resolves in a drawn out conclusion over pounding timpani followed by a quiet chord dying in the brass . </P> <P> The main theme commences immediately in C major, a "famous, grandly striding tune" which was likened by many to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Freude" theme . This was an assertion which irritated Brahms, but which he nevertheless acknowledged--"any ass can see that". The theme is introduced in the violins and violas in alto register accompanied softly by horns and underpinned by pizzicato bass . After a few bars, the strings undulate through the second phrase with support from the bassoons . The woodwinds then pick up the song, with the strings in pizzicato accompaniment with gently trilling timpani . Finally, the full orchestra is unleashed in an energetic rendition which quickly fragments into transitional struggle . A passage led by arpeggio strings accompanied by bassoon and contrabassoon follows, including a brief variation of the Alphorn tune leading directly to the second theme . </P> <P> The second theme arrives as a falling four note figure related to the opening sequence and related to the Alphorn tune . The theme is introduced softly in the low strings, and elaborated upon by the violins . The second statement of the theme is joined first by the bassoons, followed by the flutes and oboes . After an energetic transitional passage in the strings, the oboe continues with an inverted variation of the theme in G major but eventually modulates back to E minor, leading to the conclusion of the exposition . </P>

Brahms symphony no. 1 in c minor op. 68