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 (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.
Cavalry Lancers’ Quadrille WAB 120 No. 4Anton Bruckner
This piece is a solo piano work by Anton Bruckner written in 1850, with a performance time of about 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
Unlike the grand symphonies for which Bruckner is best known, it is a light, danceable dance piece that conveys the social atmosphere of the time.
Its brilliance and elegance as expressed through the piano make it a great recommendation for newcomers to classical music.
Whether you’re not very familiar with piano pieces or you’re currently practicing the piano, consider adding it to your repertoire.
In conclusion
There may only be a handful of them, but what impressions did you have after listening to Anton Bruckner’s piano pieces? Some of them are written in a style you’d never imagine from those grand, dramatic symphonies, which is really fascinating.
If you’re a pianist who’s never thought about playing Bruckner’s piano works, take this opportunity to give them a try!