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.
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Master of the Late Romantic era: A collection of Anton Bruckner’s piano works (1–10)
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.
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.
Master of the Late Romantic era — A collection of Anton Bruckner’s piano works (11–20)
Quadrille Finale: Poco animato, WAB 121Anton Bruckner
Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, a leading figure of the late Romantic era, is known for his weighty, grand-scale symphonies, but he actually left behind piano works as well.
The Quadrille, composed around 1854, is dance music for piano four hands consisting of six distinct sections.
Each part is based on a specific dance form, featuring strikingly classical dance rhythms and melodies.
Like Bruckner’s other piano pieces, it belongs to his early works and offers a light, approachable charm that differs from his orchestral music.
It is recommended not only for those studying piano but also for anyone who wants to feel closer to Bruckner.
Cavalry Lancers’ Quadrille WAB 120 No. 1Anton Bruckner
Composed around 1850, Lancer-Quadrille, WAB 120 is a work for piano four hands consisting of six sections, incorporating lively dance elements based on the 19th-century social dance, the quadrille.
It offers a glimpse of a more casual and approachable side of Bruckner, distinct from the weighty impression of his symphonies, making it a valuable piece.
It’s also recommended for classical music beginners as a work that showcases Bruckner’s diverse talents.
Cavalry Lancers’ Quadrille WAB 120 No. 2Anton Bruckner
A beginner-friendly piano piece by Anton Bruckner, Quadrille for Lancers.
Although Bruckner is known as a leading composer of the late Romantic era, he actually left some shorter, accessible piano works, and this is one of them.
Written in the 1850s for his students, it is a compact dance piece in four parts, featuring an appealing, lively sound that evokes Austrian folk dance.
Each part presents its own distinct melody and rhythm, offering a different character from his weighty symphonies.
It is a work that beginners to Bruckner should definitely explore.
Quadrille of Lancers WAB.120 No. 3Anton Bruckner
Among the few piano works Anton Bruckner left to the world, the Lancer Quadrilles, composed around 1850, are beloved as a light, rhythmical set of dances.
No.
3 in particular takes about three minutes and twenty seconds to perform.
Its repeated melodies, capturing the character of the social dance known as the quadrille, are especially striking.
Listeners familiar with Bruckner’s symphonies will find a fresh kind of appeal here.
It’s also a highly recommended piece for anyone seeking an easygoing, enjoyable piano miniature.