Instead of a close is a mere pause on a passing
harmony at the portals of the high festival.
With a clear martial stress the "Russian Theme" is sounded (in low
strings), to the full a national
[Music: _Allegro moderato_
Finale _Theme Russe_
(Cellos with basses in lower 8ve.)]
tune of northern race. Enriched with prodigal harmony and play of lesser
themes it flows merrily on, yet always with a stern pace, breaking out
at last in a blare of warlike brass.
Nor does the martial spirit droop in the second tune, though the
melodies are in sheer contrast. In faster rhythm, the second is more
festal so that the first returning has a tinge almost of terror. An
[Music: (Cl't)
(Strings)]
after-strain of the second has a slightest descent to reflective
feeling, from which there is a new rebound
[Music: (Cellos)
(Strings and harp with sustained chord of horns)]
to the buoyant (festal) melody.
Here in grim refrains, in dim depths of basses (with hollow notes of
horns) the national tune has a free fantasy until it is joined by the
second in a loud burst in the minor.
Now the latter sings in constant alternation with the answering strain,
then descends in turn into the depths of sombre musing. There follows a
big, resonant dual climax (the main theme in lower brass), with an edge
of grim defiance. In the lull we seem to catch a brief mystic play of
the first motto of the symphony (in the horns) before the last joyous
song of both melodies,--all with a power of intricate design and a
dazzling brilliancy of harmony, in proud national celebration.
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