Symphony No. 5 in E major, Lenore
Joachim Raff
Work background
Researched classical background
Raff organized this programme symphony around the world of Gottfried August Burger's ballad Lenore. Four movements are grouped into three larger parts, moving from the lovers' happiness through separation to the fatal ride. The finale carries the most explicit narrative burden, while the earlier movements establish the emotional and musical material on which it depends.
Inspiration and creative background
Burger's ballad Lenore supplied the lovers, separation and supernatural ride of the programme.
Musikproduktion Hoflich: Raff Symphony No.5 preface
Lenore programme, structure and historical context | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the earlier march with the finale's sustained riding motion.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1872
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.
Also known as: Lenore Symphony
Musikproduktion Hoflich: Raff Symphony No.5 preface
Lenore programme, structure and historical context | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Joachim Raff Society: orchestral catalogue
Symphony No.5 opus and 1872 composition | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Musikproduktion Hoflich: Raff Symphony No.5 preface
Lenore programme, structure and historical context | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Joachim Raff Society: orchestral catalogue
Symphony No.5 opus and 1872 composition | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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