Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor

Wikipedia sources say Mahler wrote his Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor in 1901-1902. This work has become one of Mahler's most famous; as well as one of Mahler's most often performed compositions. The work is somewhat synonymous with the century in which it was written in--in that it has some modern (20th century) qualities to it; although the work in itself is very romantic in style, and in to some degree even 'dreamy,' if one can use such words to describe the composition.

Since Mahler become conductor of the famous Vienna Opera in 1897, he would only write music during the summer months (time off). This was up and until the year 1907 which was the year of his resignation from this famous musical society/organization.

Like most if not all Mahler's works: it's scored for extremely large orchestral forces!

One of the most interesting things about this composition is that Mahler doesn't use his "Wunderhorn" lyrical/melodious style of writing so much as he had done in his previous works. ("Das Knaben Wunderhorn" or 'The Child's Magic Horn' is a German anthology of poems and music; Mahler's first four symphonies are all linked to the Wunderhorn anthology in one way or another) In doing so, Mahler uses compositional techniques that are more akin to what later 20th century composers after him used in their compositions; all of whom have credited Mahler for being their mentor and forerunner in orchestration and compositional techniques.

One thing which is Mahler and modern if one can use such a 'catch-phrase' is: the keys have no relationship to each other, in fact--none! First movement is in C-sharp, second movement is in A-minor, third movement is in D-major, fourth movement is in F-major, and the final movement is in D-major.

The first and second movements are very romantic in quality. The third movement is probably the most cutting edge (modern) of all. The fourth movement is very famous; Luchino Visconti uses this movement as the main theme to his film: "Death in Venice," which he based after Thomas Mann's famous novel of that same title. The last movement (5th movement) is quite romantic, and as it's oftentimes the case: it has a 'big-tune' style finale which one is accustomed to with composers such as Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, and Liszt.

The work premiered in October of 1904 in Cologne, Germany with Mahler conducting. (Mahler conducted the premiere of all of his symphonies, but this should come as no surprised: Mahler was considered by many to be the greatest conductor of his day!)