In yet another step forward in his compositional maturity, this slow movement is one of the loveliest and most elaborate that Beethoven wrote for any of his symphonies. The abundance of lyrical material at display here greatly contributes to this piece's weight and we can sense a huge leap in comparison to the First Symphony's corresponding movement, which was already lovely in its own right.
The opening melody brings that to mind right away, bringing to mind that sweet lyricism that we'll be able to find in the slow movements of Beethoven's Sixth and Ninth Symphonies. Yet, unlike those, this one also features a certain humorous element underneath all its lyricism (2:27 being one instance of this).
A darker rendition of the opening melody (3:15) heralds the beginning of the more troubled-sounding development section. When we arrive at the recapitulation, that same melody is beautifully embellished (5:09).
The coda (8:36) is short but sweet.
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Movement II. Larghetto
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