Schubert · Franz Schubert
Schubert Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major
The smallest symphony, with no trumpets or timpani
- Key
- B♭ major
- Composed
- 1816
- Duration
- about 27 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 1·2·0·2 · Brass 2·0·0·0 · Strings
The story behind this piece
Written in September–October 1816, about half a year after finishing No. 4. It has the smallest instrumentation of any Schubert symphony: no clarinets, trumpets, or timpani, just one flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, and strings.
The 3rd-movement minuet recalls the minuet of Mozart's No. 40. It's in the same G minor and has a similar mood.
What to listen for
- Opening of the 1st movement: no slow introduction; a short four-bar "raising of the curtain" and then the theme comes right in
- 3rd movement: a minuet in G minor with a quiet Trio in G major
Listen · Score
Credits