Anton Bruckner

Symphony No. 4 in Eb, WAB 104 ("Romantic")

            It’s common musicological coin to observe that there is little in the life and personality of Anton Bruckner that informs our understanding and appreciation of his music.  While he composed a large body of significant sacred vocal music, it is his nine symphonies (the last not completed) that have established his importance as a major composer of the late nineteenth century.  His is the story of a provincial man of extremely modest origins, of little early genius, and who endured decades of obscurity.  And yet, despite inordinately long years of assiduous study and an innate obsequiousness, his patience gradually yielded widespread recognition of his talents and creations in early old age.

Symphony No. 5 in Bb major, WAB 105

            It’s common musicological coin to observe that there is little in the personal life and personality of Anton Bruckner that informs our understanding and appreciation of his music.  His is the story of a provincial man of extremely modest origins, of little early genius, and who endured decades of obscurity.  And yet, despite inordinately long years of intense study and an innate obsequiousness, his patience gradually yielded widespread recognition of his talents and creations in early old age. Though he composed a large body of significant sacred vocal music, it is his nine symphonies (the last not completed) that have established his importance as a major composer of the late nineteenth century.

Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107

            It’s common musicological coin to observe that there is little in the life and personality of Anton Bruckner that informs our understanding and appreciation of his music.  While he composed a large body of significant sacred vocal music, it is his nine symphonies (the last not completed) that have established his importance as a major composer of the late nineteenth century.  His is the story of a provincial man of extremely modest origins, of little early genius, and who endured decades of obscurity.  And yet, despite inordinately long years of assiduous study and an innate obsequiousness, his patience gradually yielded widespread recognition of his talents and creations in early old age.