Allegretto

This lovely movement continues to be popular as an encore or performed apart from the complete symphony. Capturing the feel of this second movement, subtle mallet and pluck techniques provide a lovely variety of sound and texture. Beethoven conducted the premiere at a charity function, honoring soldiers wounded in battle. Part of his introduction is included: "We are moved by nothing but pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our powers for those who have sacrificed so much for us."  This is a lovely piece to program for its history as well as its calm sonority and lyrical melody.