Symphony No. 5 in E-flat, Op. 82
Jean Sibelius
Work background
Researched classical background
Sibelius reworked his Fifth extensively, eventually combining earlier material into the familiar three-movement design. The finale's broad horn theme is connected with the swans he described in his diary. Rapid string motion and expansive brass writing create different layers of movement around it. The ending separates its final chords with striking silences, making the spaces between sounds part of the conclusion.
Inspiration and creative background
Sibelius's diary links the finale's thematic inspiration with a flight of swans he observed.
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
Compare the rapid strings with the broad horn theme, then attend to the timing of the final separated chords.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1915 original; revisions in 1916 and 1919
The familiar three-movement form results from revision of the original four-movement version.
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
The original and final versions differ in movement structure and detail.
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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