Gustav Mahler wrote his 5th symphony between 1901 and 1904 (premièred in Cologne in 1904) and it is one of his most performed symphonies today. It is in particular the work's Adagietto - originally composed for just strings and harp - that became known to a wider public through Luchino Visconti using it in his film Death in Venice (1971), thereby contributing to the symphony's popularity in general.

A string setting is essentially the basis for this arrangement but the piece can even be played by the soloists of a string quartet if need be or a string quintet. All the parts only require the first position; moreover, the viola can be replaced or supported by a Violin III. The parts are marked with bowing.

Additionally, both a full complement of woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon) and brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone) can also join in ad libitum. Timpani, percussion, xylophone, harp and piano put the finishing touches to the symphonic soundscape.

The score is written in C while the parts in the parts book are transposed accordingly.