Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 is the most requested horn excerpt in modern auditions. It is requested for every position and presents a lifetime challenge for horn players. Understanding the work as a whole may come to help us in this preparation and its adoration by music lovers since it's inception in 1936.

In addition to the famous low horn tutti, numerous excerpts throughout the work present unique challenges that do on occasion show up on auditions. Carefully considering your role in this monumental work helps prepare the whole performer.