Symphony No. 5 in B‑Flat Major

Written at speed in September and October 1816, Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 is the most lightly scored—no clarinets, trumpets or timpani—of his earlier such works. Nor does the initial “Allegro” have an introduction: the flute and oboes lead directly into the graceful first theme on strings. Woodwind comes into its own in the development, and the coda brings a sudden rush of energy. The “Andante” is founded on a felicitous melody, with a more questing episode offering contrast in its subtle modulations. The “Minuet”, recalling that from Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, is trenchant and robust, while its trio has a winsome lilt. The final “Allegro” is no less appealing in its vivacity, and the second theme has a laconic humour that, on reprise, reaches its decisive end without need of a coda. The work was performed privately in the autumn of 1816, but was not heard in public until 1841, after which it soon became the most performed among Schubert’s earlier symphonies.