Symphony No. 5 (Arnold)
Symphony No. 5, Op. 74, is a symphony written by British composer Malcolm Arnold in 1961. Commissioned by the Cheltenham Festival, it is one of Arnold's most performed and recorded symphonies. The work is dedicated to the memory of four friends of the composer: Dennis Brain, an acclaimed horn player; William Walton, a fellow composer; Constant Lambert, a conductor and composer; and Frederick Delius, also a composer.
The symphony is structured in three movements, a departure from the traditional four-movement symphonic form:
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Tempestuoso: A turbulent and dramatic movement, full of rhythmic drive and dissonant harmonies. The movement is characterised by its forceful orchestral textures and moments of lyrical contrast.
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Andante con moto: A more introspective and elegiac movement, offering a poignant reflection on the composer's personal losses. While containing moments of tranquility, underlying the music are tensions and anxieties.
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Con fuoco: A boisterous and often satirical movement, concluding the symphony with a sense of nervous energy. The movement is characterized by its use of jazz-influenced rhythms and melodic fragments, as well as moments of unexpected and unsettling juxtapositions. It builds to a frenzied and ambiguous conclusion, leaving the listener with a sense of unease rather than resolution.
The symphony is scored for a large orchestra, including piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, and strings. Its complex orchestration and expressive language contribute to the symphony's overall impact and enduring appeal. It is considered a significant work in Arnold's output and a valuable addition to the 20th-century symphonic repertoire.