Sibelius · Jean Sibelius
Sibelius Symphony No. 5 in E♭ major
The finale where 16 swans took flight
- Key
- E♭ major
- Composed
- 1919
- Premiere
- 1915 Helsinki
- Duration
- about 31 min
- Movements
- 3 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 4·3·3·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
It was premiered in Helsinki on December 8, 1915, Sibelius's 50th birthday. The day was celebrated so grandly that it was made a national holiday in Finland.
On April 21 of that year, Sibelius saw 16 swans take flight together and wrote in his diary, 'One of the greatest experiences of my life! Lord God, how beautiful!' That experience became the famous horn 'swan theme' of the finale.
Sibelius was not satisfied with the premiere version and extensively revised the piece in 1916 and 1919. The four-movement work became three movements, and the final version was premiered in Helsinki on November 24, 1919.
The ending of the piece is highly unusual. It closes with six big chords, separated by silences.
What to listen for
- Movement 3: The horns play the 'swan theme,' with its broad, swaying motion. It's the pride of the horn section.
- The very end of the piece: Six chords ring out with a crash, separated by silence. You have to hold your hands tight so that applause doesn't burst out during the rests.
Listen · Score
- Hear the full piece on YouTube · hr-Sinfonieorchester · Dalia Stasevska
- Free scores on IMSLP (full score and parts)
Credits