The Symphony No.
5 in B-flat major, Op.
55, was written by Alexander Glazunov from April to October 1895.
Although in this symphony Glazunov returned to his conventional four-movement layout (his Fourth Symphony had only three) he frequently utilizes thematic transformation.
The symphony calls for a romantic orchestra of the following instruments: 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 3 clarinets in B-flat (3rd doubling bass clarinet), 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, triangle, cymbals, bass drum, bells, harp, strings The symphony has four movements: Glazunov dedicated his Fifth to Sergei Taneyev, a Russian composer, pianist, and teacher, and it was first performed at the Second Russian Concert at the Hall of the Nobility in St. Petersburg on 17 November 1896; the premiere was conducted by the composer himself.