Symphony No. 5 / Concerto Grosso No. 4
Alfred Schnittke
Work background
Researched classical background
Schnittke gave this four-movement work a double title to join two orchestral traditions. Violin, oboe and harpsichord form a concertino in the opening movement, set against a large orchestra. The second movement reworks a fragment from Mahler's early piano quartet; later movements move into symphonic and funeral-march territory, recalling earlier material in altered surroundings.
Inspiration and creative background
A Concertgebouw centenary commission prompted the combination of symphony and concerto grosso; Mahler's unfinished quartet scherzo supplies material.
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Fifth Symphony German programme note
Hans-Ulrich Duffek on four movements, concertino and Mahler fragment | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the opening solo group with the exposed Mahler fragment in the second movement.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Large orchestra with concertino violin, oboe and harpsichord; additional keyboards and percussion
Composition: 1988
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: Concerto Grosso No.4; Symphony No.5
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Concerto Grosso No.4 / Symphony No.5
1988 work, double title and orchestration | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Fifth Symphony German programme note
Hans-Ulrich Duffek on four movements, concertino and Mahler fragment | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Concerto Grosso No.4 / Symphony No.5
1988 work, double title and orchestration | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes: Schnittke Fifth Symphony German programme note
Hans-Ulrich Duffek on four movements, concertino and Mahler fragment | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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