The Swede Hugo Alfven is of an artistic breed who strove for Parnassus with clipped wings throughout his lifetime. It was not that he lacked the necessary talent, an excellent education, motivation through success or widespread recognition; earnings from the performance of his own works were simply not enough to make a living - which is why, like many of his colleagues, he sought to avoid impending financial shortfalls by fulfilling commissions and taking on semi-creative assignments. The Fifth Symphony is a 'victim' of this dilemma. When Nils Grevellius conducted the first movement in May 1942 to mark the composer's 70th birthday (along with the Festive Overture, Op. 52), more than two decades had passed since the great Fourth Symphony - and there were still no signs that the rest would ever be finished. Ten years later, just in time for the next anniversary, he managed to complete it. Alfven could be proud, for once again he had overcome internal and external barriers and could spread his wings.