Anton Bruckner (born September 4 , 1824 in Ansfelden , died October 11, 1896 in Vienna ^[1] ) - Austrian composer and organist , neo-romantic, representative of classical romanticism ^{[1] [2] [3]} .

Biography [ edit | edit code ]

Anton Bruckner was born to a poor, religious and musical family in Upper Austria, in Ansfelden ^{[1] [2] [3],} the son of a village teacher and organist . His mother sang in the church choir ^{[1] [2] [3]} . He showed a talent for playing the violin at the age of four, and at the age of ten he was already practicing the organ ^{[1] [2] [3]} .

He began his musical career as a choir singer, teacher and organist at the Augustinian monastery of St. Florian in Linz . In the years 1858–1868 organist at the local cathedral, then appointed professor of the conservatory in Vienna . In 1886 he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph ^[4] .

Bruckner's historical role comes down mainly to his achievements in the field of symphonic music. The fascination with this genre comes from two sources:

• the classical trend of Beethoven and Schubert - it is visible in monumentalism, huge size and the concept of symphonic form

• Wagner's musical drama - the influence of the master from Bayreuth is noticeable in harmony and instrumentation

In addition to the above-mentioned influences, the influence of Austrian folk music and polyphonic texture can be noticed in Bruckner's music. Although Bruckner is one of Wagner's music enthusiasts, he himself represents the trend of absolute music. The infatuation with Wagner often aroused opposition from conservative critics, including Eduard Hanslick .

In addition to symphonic music, Bruckner practices religious work that combines the mastery of the symphonic art with the artistry of polyphony. The human voice in these works is treated similarly to Wagner's – as one of the instruments of the orchestra.

Major works:

• 8 symphonies (and the ninth unfinished) - including Wagner's 3rd in D minor, 4th Romantic in E-flat major, 7th in E major, 9th in D minor - unfinished - Bruckner left 3 movements and sketches for the finale, which were partly lost and then reconstructed . In addition to the nine numbered symphonies, Bruckner is also the author of the Symphony in F minor, known as "Student", composed during his studies with O. Kitzler, and the Symphony in D minor, known as Zero (Nullte), composed after Symphony No. "0" to indicate rejection of this song ^[5] .
• 3 masses (No. 1 in D minor, No. 2 in E minor, No. 3 in F minor), psalms, motets

• Te Deum – for 4 solo voices, choir, orchestra and organ.

• Requiem in D minor (1849)