[Recommended] Carefully selected masterpieces by Bruckner, the great master of symphonies and sacred music
Anton Bruckner, the Australian composer and organist renowned as a master of symphonies and sacred music.
In this article, we present some of his most widely celebrated works—pieces known for their weighty character and a pronounced religious tone that reflects his devout Catholic faith.
Please enjoy, along with videos and commentary, a selection of quintessentially Brucknerian works, rich in depth and evoking elegant, monumental vistas reminiscent of Austria’s abundant natural landscapes and the majestic Baroque churches.
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[Recommended] Carefully Selected Masterpieces by Bruckner, the Great Master of Symphonies and Sacred Music (31–40)
Mass No. 2 in E minorAnton Bruckner
Composed to celebrate the completion of the new cathedral in Linz, Austria—the homeland of Anton Bruckner—this work consists of six movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei.
A mixed four-part choir powerfully sings lyrics praising God.
It is a magnificent work befitting a grand cathedral.
Overture in G majorAnton Bruckner
An orchestral work completed in 1863.
It was not performed during Anton Bruckner’s lifetime and was published and premiered in 1921, twenty-five years after his death.
As one of Bruckner’s early works, it is performed relatively often, and in Japan it has been taken up by ensembles led by Takashi Asahina as well as by amateur orchestras.
Psalm No. 150 in C majorAnton Bruckner
Composed for the opening ceremony of the Vienna International Exhibition of Music and Drama in 1892, it was not completed in time due to health issues and other reasons, and received its premiere in November of the following year.
With orchestra and organ as accompaniment, a mixed choir of men and women powerfully sings “Praise God” and “Hallelujah.” It is a captivating piece distinguished by its radiant melodies, as if filling every corner of space with light.
Gradual: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom.”Anton Bruckner
This is a piece of sacred music for mixed choir in four parts, composed in 1879.
It employs the Lydian mode, one of the church modes, and concludes with the Gregorian chant “Alleluia.” While it bears the characteristic sonic richness of Anton Bruckner, its pure and lucid resonance is particularly appealing.
Update on the Germanic peoplesAnton Bruckner
Anton Bruckner had a deep love for male choral music and composed as many as forty choral works over his lifetime.
This “March of the Germanic People” is written for four-part male ensemble and brass instruments, and its powerful, dynamic character is especially compelling.
It was also Bruckner’s first published work.
[Recommended] Carefully Selected Masterpieces by Bruckner, the Great Composer of Symphonies and Sacred Music (41–50)
MagnificatAnton Bruckner
The Magnificat is a Christian hymn that sets to music the Virgin Mary’s prayer from the Gospel of Luke.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s setting is especially famous, but Anton Bruckner also composed a Magnificat.
Scored for four solo voices and mixed choir with orchestra, it is a single work that leaves a beautiful and majestic impression.
Libera me in F minorAnton Bruckner
“Libera me” is a phrase quoted from the Bible, meaning “deliver me” in Latin.
The interweaving of mixed chorus and trombone creates a solemn beauty.
It is a piece that conveys the faith of Anton Bruckner, who was a devout Catholic.