Symphony No. 5
Takashi Yoshimatsu
Work background
Researched classical background
Yoshimatsu described his Fifth Symphony as a four-act orchestral drama related to Faust. Its recurring characters and musical gestures pass through a driven opening, a scherzo with a jazz-like bass line, a lament and a celebratory finale. The score began under a Suntory Music Foundation commission, was temporarily set aside, and was completed in 2001 with a dedication to his father.
Inspiration and creative background
Yoshimatsu explicitly linked the score to his personal reading of Faust and an early wish to write a Fifth Symphony beginning from Beethoven's famous motif.
Chandos: Yoshimatsu Fifth Symphony, composer booklet
1999-2001 genesis, four movements, Faust programme, Beethoven motif and dedication | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the change from the third movement's lament to the finale's fanfare and dance rhythm.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1999-2001
Conceived from summer 1999, interrupted by the Fourth Symphony, completed in August 2001.
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.
Chandos: Yoshimatsu Fifth Symphony, composer booklet
1999-2001 genesis, four movements, Faust programme, Beethoven motif and dedication | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Chandos: Yoshimatsu Fifth Symphony, composer booklet
1999-2001 genesis, four movements, Faust programme, Beethoven motif and dedication | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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