Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor, Op. 107 ‘Reformation’ - Felix Mendelssohn

Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor, Op. 107 ‘Reformation’ by Felix Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn began work on what he called a ‘Reformation’ symphony in 1829. The composer had planned for the work to be performed at the annual Augsburg celebrations in Germany which take place in June. These celebrations are to commemorate the presentation of the Augsburg confession to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1530, a crucial event in the Protestant Reformation. The tercentennial celebration of 1830 was of particular importance, especially to protestants in Germany and other parts of Europe.

Due to ill health Mendelssohn was not able to complete the symphony for the festival in June of 1830. Mendelssohn eventually completed the symphony in May of 1830, but was not eligible to submit the work for inclusion in the 1830 Augsburg celebrations. The work would have a premier performance in 1832 in Berlin.

The work is comprised of four movements: I. Andante – Allegro con fuoco 00:00 II. Allegro vivace 11:33 III. Andante 17:02 IV. Andante con moto – Allegro vivace – Allegro maestoso 20:56