[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.
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Masterpieces of the Romantic Era: A sweeping introduction to soul-stirring, celebrated gems!
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- Masterpieces for Harp: A curated selection of distinguished works featuring noble and delicate tones
- Masterpieces by Gustav Mahler. Popular classical music.
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- [Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
- Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music.
- Pick up Beethoven’s famous and representative works!
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
[Recommended] Carefully Selected Masterpieces by Bruckner, the Great Composer of Symphonies and Sacred Music (41–50)
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 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 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 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 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.
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.