Interestingly, Schumanns Third Symphony was in fact his last symphony, as the fourth symphony was actually composed after the first. The Symphony No.3 in E flat Op.97 was written 1850 during the composers tenure as conductor at Düsseldorf on the famous river Rhine. Schumann claimed that the history and spirit surrounding the noble river inspired him when writing the symphony, hence it being called the Rhenish symphony. The symphony was less successful at its premiere in February 1851 (conducted by Schumann himself) than his previous two symphonic premiers had been.

This symphony is in five movements, with the extra fourth movement, originally subtitled In the style of an accompaniment to a solemn ceremony, was inspired by a visit to Cologne Cathedral.

Available here is a study score of Schumanns Symphony No.3 in E flat Rhenish Op.97 , which is ideal for study and perusal usage.