Written in 1816, Schubert’s 5th Symphony has an undeniable “Mozartian” influence and sounds more Classical than Romantic in some ways. In his diary not long before completing the work, Schubert wrote, “O Mozart, immortal Mozart, how many, oh how endlessly many such comforting perceptions of a brighter and better life hast thou brought to our souls!”

The work features a smaller ensemble than is typical of Schubert’s symphonies, made up of flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, and strings - notably leaving out trumpets, clarinets, and timpani. The small ensemble creates a light feel throughout the piece particularly through the focus on the string instruments. This work is also on the shorter end of other typical Romantic-era symphonies, with a runtime of about thirty minutes.