Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 is often described as a work which pays homage to the Classical masters Mozart and Haydn.
The fresh opening of the Allegro is lightness itself. Jaunty and tuneful, the principal themes are introduced with the unmistakable Schubertian chromaticism totally in evidence.
If the first movement is filled with joy; the second movement, Andante con moto, sings and even sighs at times.
The Menuetto is a typical dance movement at first. Many believe this movement, in G minor, is an homage to Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 (also in G minor and a work which clearly influenced Schubert).
The Finale, marked Allegro vivace, builds on the dance-like Minuet. As with the first movement, it is bouncy and jocular, with frequent harmonic surprises.
Here for you is a performance led by Herbert von Karajan:
