Master of the Late Romantic Era: A Collection of Piano Works by Anton Bruckner
When you think of Anton Bruckner, most people probably imagine a master of the symphony—weighty, monumental, and expansive in length.
Although Bruckner was an Austrian composer and organist and one of the leading figures of the late Romantic era, he actually left a modest but notable body of piano works.
In 2021, Japanese pianist Yuriko Hara reportedly gave a highly acclaimed concert featuring only Bruckner’s solo piano pieces.
If you’re hearing about Bruckner’s piano music for the first time, be sure to check out this article.
Master of the Late Romantic era: A collection of Anton Bruckner’s piano works (1–10)
Quadrille Trousers: Andante con moto WAB 121Anton Bruckner
When we think of Anton Bruckner, he is known as a master of the symphony, but in fact he also left piano pieces.
Andante con moto, one of the dances in a set titled Quadrille, is a short piece performed at a calm tempo.
It has an unusually light and bright character for Bruckner and is a piece that can be recommended even to beginners in classical music.
This dance set, consisting of six pieces, was written in 1854 when he was 29 years old.
Although each movement lasts no more than a minute and a half, they each display a distinctive character.
Why not sample Bruckner’s charm in an easy, approachable form?
Quadrille Summer: Allegretto, WAB 121Anton Bruckner
Written around 1854, the dance music Quadrille for piano four hands is an approachable six-part work by the late-Romantic master Anton Bruckner.
In particular, “Summer: Allegretto” is notable for its light, lively rhythm, making it one of the more accessible pieces among Bruckner’s piano works.
This piece reveals a homely, heartwarming side of Bruckner that differs from his symphonies.
It’s likely to be enjoyed by a wide audience, from classical newcomers to piano enthusiasts.
Quadrille Trenis: Patetico WAB.121Anton Bruckner
Are you familiar with “Quadrille Tretis: Pathetico, WAB 121,” a piano ensemble piece composed in his youth by the late-Romantic master Anton Bruckner? Bruckner, the Austrian composer and organist, is best known as a titan of weighty, monumental, and expansive symphonies, but he also left behind works for piano.
Consisting of six movements, this piece has a light, approachable character while remaining romantic in spirit.
The “Tretis: Pathetico” section in particular conveys emotional depth, offering a glimpse of the young Bruckner’s talent.
It is a work I can recommend even to those not well-versed in classical music.
Quadrille Shepherdess: Grazioso, WAB 121Anton Bruckner
Bruckner is known for his weighty and monumental symphonies, but did you know he also wrote piano pieces? Quadrille “The Shepherdess”: Grazioso, WAB 121 is one of the works that showcases his early Romantic style.
Comprising six distinct sections, the “Pastourelle” in particular features an elegant, light melody that vividly evokes a pastoral scene.
Often used for piano instruction, this piece reveals an unexpected side of Bruckner.
It is a charming and approachable work that is highly recommended for classical music beginners.
Quadrille Hen: Amabile WAB.121Anton Bruckner
Anton Bruckner is known as a master of symphonies and sacred music, but although few in number, he also wrote several piano pieces.
Composed around 1854, the Quadrille is a very approachable work.
Consisting of six sections and written for his own students, it is ideal for developing performance technique.
In particular, the movement “The Hen: Amabile” leaves an impression with its charming atmosphere.
While many of Bruckner’s works are demanding, this piece is one I can recommend even to beginners.
The People of Styria WAB 122Anton Bruckner
Anton Bruckner, a master of the late Romantic era.
Though he is renowned for his monumental symphonies and masses, he also left behind approachable piano miniatures.
Composed around 1850, The People of Styria is a character piece based on folk songs from southern Austria.
Its lively, folk-like melodies convey Bruckner’s affection for his homeland.
Despite its simple structure, the music’s warmth offers a charm distinct from his large-scale works.
A hidden gem by Bruckner that I’d recommend even to newcomers to classical music.
Piano Piece in E-flat major, WAB 119Anton Bruckner
Piano Piece in E-flat major, WAB 119 is a work composed in 1856 by the great Austrian composer Anton Bruckner.
With a performance time of about one minute and thirty seconds, it is very short and stands apart from Bruckner’s other large-scale works.
From this miniature, one can sense his inner sensitivity and delicacy.
As a piece in the public domain, it is one of the more approachable works among Bruckner’s piano compositions and seems well-suited for those who would like to try playing his piano music.
Fantasia in G major, WAB 118Anton Bruckner
Anton Bruckner, an Austrian composer and organist, is one of the leading masters of the late Romantic era.
While Bruckner is best known for his symphonies and sacred music, he also left behind a small number of highly distinctive and emotional piano works.
Composed in 1868, the Fantasia in G major, WAB 118, is a rare example among Bruckner’s piano pieces.
This two-part work consists of a gentle, lyrical first section and a lively, powerful second, condensing the composer’s inner world into just about three and a half minutes of music.
It is a gem I highly recommend to anyone wishing to discover a new side of Bruckner.
Reminiscence in E-flat major, WAB 117Anton Bruckner
Many of Anton Bruckner’s works are characterized by their weighty grandeur and expansive length, yet he did, in fact, leave behind a small number of piano pieces as well.
Among them, Reminiscence (Erinnerung) is a relatively little-known miniature composed around 1868.
Within its roughly five-minute duration, Bruckner’s introspective and emotionally rich musicality is distilled.
Though it has no lyrics, the harmony, melody, and dynamics of the music itself vividly portray his deep emotional expression.
It is a gem I highly recommend not only to those familiar with Bruckner’s symphonies but also to anyone encountering his music for the first time.
Quiet Thoughts on an Autumn Evening WAB 123Anton Bruckner
Bruckner, the Austrian composer who represents the Romantic era, wrote a rare piano piece, “Quiet Thoughts on an Autumn Evening,” which is an approachable work recommended even for early to intermediate-level players.
Within its roughly four minutes, it distills a gentle, autumnal sentiment suited to an evening in fall, and it also carries nuances that faintly recall Chopin.
While the piece itself is relatively accessible, performing it with finesse—skillfully interweaving the right-hand melody with the left-hand accompaniment—does require a certain level of technique.
Piano works by Bruckner, renowned as a master of the symphony, are extremely rare and brim with the charm of revealing an unfamiliar side of the composer.