Symphony No. 5 in F major, Op 76

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An inspiring work which Dvořák wrote in only eight weeks. A light pastoral introduction eases us in to a bright symphonic journey which finishes with a triumphant, dramatic ending. Dvořák wrote Symphony No. 5 many years before it was published, so his publisher slyly changed the opus number from 24 to 76 without Dvorak’s permission in order to make it seem like a brand new work. Writing prolifically for more than a decade had not provided Dvořák with a living and at the time of composing his Fifth Symphony he was forced to rely upon a grant for talented artists living in poverty. Yet this piece bursts with idyllic romanticism in recalling the boisterous village dances of his humble youth. Dvořák’s music acknowledges the universal complexities of life while being undeniably optimistic. Composer: Antonín Dvořák Performers: BBC National Orchestra of Wales Conductor: Richard Hickox Recording date: 04 December 2001 Date of broadcast: 04 December 2001