Sibelius's Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82, was composed in 1915 and later revised in 1916 and 1919, reflecting the composer's continuous search for structural clarity and thematic cohesion. Commissioned for his 50th birthday celebrations, the symphony is renowned for its balance between grandeur and simplicity. It embodies Sibelius’s distinctive voice, combining Romantic sensibilities with the influence of his native Finnish landscapes.

The symphony is structured in three movements, merging traditional forms with Sibelius’s innovations. The first movement, marked Tempo molto moderato, allegro moderato, begins with a serene and pastoral opening, later transitioning into dynamic and dramatic passages. The second movement, Andante mosso, quasi allegretto, is characterized by its theme-and-variations structure, providing a lyrical contrast to the outer movements. The final movement, Allegro molto, is famous for its "swan hymn," a majestic theme inspired by a sighting of swans in flight, which becomes the culmination of the symphony’s thematic development.

Sibelius achieves a profound sense of unity in the Fifth Symphony through his economy of material and the organic evolution of motifs. The closing measures, with their striking series of spaced-out chords, create a powerful sense of finality. The symphony remains one of his most celebrated works, showcasing his ability to blend emotional depth, natural inspiration, and architectural precision in a work of enduring significance.