Completed in September 1894 and published by Hamelle in the same year. Its premiere took place in May 1896 at the Société Nationale de Musique, performed by Léon Delafosse. It is dedicated to Madame Vincent d'Indy. Eight years elapsed between this work and the preceding Barcarolle No. 4. Furthermore, not only Barcarolles but also piano works in general were rarely composed during this period. Consequently, this work is often positioned as initiating the second period of the Barcarolles.

Written in F-sharp minor with an Allegretto moderato tempo, this piece is in 9/8 time, features frequent key changes, and exhibits varied melodic phrase lengths.