Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82 (Version 1915)
Complete Works - Series I - Volume 6a
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
- Format: Full Score – Hardcover
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Work: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82
- Binding: Hardcover
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.8 x 12.6 inches
- Pages: 164
Description
Sibelius completed his Fifth Symphony, Op. 82 for the concert arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his birth on 8 December 1915. The festive concert in Helsinki took place in the Solemnity Hall of the Imperial Alexander University (University of Helsinki); Sibelius conducted the Helsinki City Orchestra. Celebrations of Sibelius and his music and performances of the Fifth Symphony were not limited to his anniversary day. His works were performed frequently during the following five weeks, and the Fifth Symphony alone was heard three times in Helsinki. So, the program of the festive concert was repeated in the National Theater and in the Solemnity Hall of the University on 12 and 18 December, respectively.
The reception of the Fifth Symphony was very positive. After the latter concert the composer and critic Otto Kotilainen wrote that, in terms of the treatment of themes and form, the Fourth Symphony was a turning point in Sibelius's production but the "Fifth, the latest of the symphonies, is perfection in this direction." He continues: "The actual themes are shortened to motives, they are not constructed of phrases [and] periods, as the classical style implies. But the elaboration of these motives, their extension and intensification in various relations of dynamics and keys is masterly. The different motives in each movement are joined together as a continuity to the extent that they could be considered to be like a single, enormous theme. The form is free but simultaneously so perfectly firm that the removal or addition of even the shortest beat of a bar would break the formal structure."
Nonetheless, Sibelius revised the work twice: first, for a concert arranged in Turku exactly one year later, and eventually in 1918–1919. The present volume contains the 1915 version, published for the first time. The autograph score of the version is lost. The orchestral parts survive, however, and the score in this volume has been reconstructed from the parts.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82 (Version 1915)
