Among the ten Preludes composed and published between 1927 and 1944, the fifth, Prelude No. 5, was composed in 1930. It is relatively frequently performed among the Preludes. It takes an A-B-A form. In D minor.

The A section is in 3/4 time, Moderato, Dolce cantabile. Over quiet chords played in a slowly walking manner, a descending melody sings mournfully. Each soulful note seems to carry the weight of life and a self-interrogation. The B middle section is dance-like. In 2/4 time, Animato. In the melody, which adds ornamentation and moves actively while repeatedly descending, unplaceable emotions seem to manifest as passion. The standard performance time is approximately 2 minutes.