Anton Bruckner Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Quadrille Hen: Amabile WAB.121Anton Bruckner22rank/position

Quadrille, WAB 121: III. Poule. Amabile

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.

Update on the Germanic peoplesAnton Bruckner23rank/position

Bruckner / “Germanenzug” Anton Bruckner, “March of the Germanic People”

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.

The People of Styria WAB 122Anton Bruckner24rank/position

Bruckner, Anton (c. 1850): Steiermärker, WAB 122 — Francesco Pasqualotto

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.

HelgolandAnton Bruckner25rank/position

ANTON BRUCKNER “HELGOLAND”

This is the last work Anton Bruckner completed in his lifetime, written for male chorus and orchestra, and composed for the 50th anniversary of the Vienna Men’s Choral Society.

At the time the piece was created, the fact that Heligoland had been officially recognized as German territory also lent it a pan-Germanic color.

MagnificatAnton Bruckner26rank/position

Magnificat WAB 24

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.

Missa SolemnisAnton Bruckner27rank/position

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) – Missa Solemnis B-Moll (1854)

Composed in 1854, the Missa solemnis is a six-movement mass by Anton Bruckner, written under the strong influence of St.

Florian Abbey and imbued with his deep faith.

Scored for soloists, four-part mixed choir, and orchestra, the work conveys both the musical depth of Bruckner and the profundity of his religious conviction.

Though it is a profoundly religious work, the sincerity of this devout Catholic’s heart shines through in the music, offering a refreshing and uplifting experience to listeners regardless of their personal beliefs.

Mass No. 1 in D minorAnton Bruckner28rank/position

Anton Bruckner – Mass No. 1 in D minor, WAB 26

Anton Bruckner was a devout Catholic and left behind a wealth of sacred music.

His Mass No.

1 is one such work, scored for mixed SATB choir and orchestra.

With its weighty yet warm character, it evokes the image of a stone-built church and a solemn mass.