Symphony No. 5
Gustav Mahler
Work background
Researched classical background
Mahler's Fifth returns to an entirely instrumental symphonic design after works that used voices. Its five movements are grouped into three larger parts, beginning with a trumpet-led funeral march and moving through a large central scherzo. The Adagietto, scored for strings and harp, offers a markedly different sound before the finale. Later revisions reflect Mahler's continuing attention to orchestral balance.
A listening guide
Hear the Adagietto in relation to the movements around it, especially the very different energy of the finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1901-1902
Mahler composed the symphony during summer breaks from his Vienna conducting work and revised its orchestration later.
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
Romantic stories about the Adagietto are distinguished from the musical structure documented here.
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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