Symphony No. 5, Op. 50
Carl Nielsen
Work background
Researched classical background
Nielsen's Fifth creates a drama of opposing musical forces within two large movements. The side drummer is at one point instructed to play as though trying to disrupt the rest of the orchestra, making conflict an explicit element of the score. The second movement develops further contrasts through rapid motion, fugal writing, and broad concluding statements. A literal war narrative is not required to hear that struggle.
Inspiration and creative background
The score's instruction for the disruptive side-drum passage documents the musical conflict directly.
Symphony No. 5 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen to the side drum's attempt to interrupt the sustained orchestral music, then follow how coherence is restored.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra, with a prominent side drum
Composition: 1922 (completion)
The symphony was completed shortly before its January 1922 premiere; earlier work is not assigned a precise start date here.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
No detailed external war program is asserted.
Symphony No. 5 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 5 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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