Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, WAB 105

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) composed his SYMPHONY No. 5 in B-FLAT MAJOR between 1875 and 1876, later revising it in 1878. Sometimes referred to as the "Faith Symphony" for its deeply spiritual character, the work is notable for its contrapuntal mastery, culminating in a magnificent final movement that combines fugue and chorale in one of Bruckner's most monumental symphonic conclusions. The symphony was not performed in Bruckner's lifetime with full orchestra; instead, a version for two pianos was heard in 1887. Its orchestral premiere came only in 1894 in Graz, conducted not by the composer but by Franz Schalk, who introduced significant cuts and reorchestration. The edition by Robert Haas, prepared in the 1930s, restored Bruckner's original intentions and remains one of the standard performing texts. Today, the Fifth Symphony is regarded as a cornerstone of Bruckner's symphonic legacy, admired for its architectural grandeur, spiritual depth, and profound sense of resolution, and it continues to challenge and inspire orchestras and audiences worldwide. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.3.3.1: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.