Anton Bruckner Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Quadrille of Lancers WAB.120 No. 3Anton Bruckner50rank/position

Lancier-Quadrille in C Major, WAB 120: III. Allegro

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.

Quiet Thoughts on an Autumn Evening WAB 123Anton Bruckner51rank/position

Anton Bruckner – Stille Betrachtung an einem Herbstabend, WAB 123

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.

Three Pieces for OrchestraAnton Bruckner52rank/position

Anton Bruckner: three orchestral pieces

Along with the March in D minor, it is said to be one of the first orchestral works that Anton Bruckner completed, and together with the March in D minor it is sometimes referred to as the Four Orchestral Pieces.

Although it seems to be seldom performed in concerts, it is a valuable collection that offers a taste of Bruckner’s early works.

March in D minor, WAB 96Anton Bruckner53rank/position

Anton Bruckner – March in D-Minor

Composed in 1862, the March in D minor, WAB 96, is a work Anton Bruckner wrote for practice while studying under cellist Otto Kitzler.

Characterized by a Romantic style, the piece is imbued with quintessential Brucknerian qualities that evoke Austria’s rich natural landscapes and the grandeur of Baroque architecture.

Although it remains relatively little known—its premiere took place posthumously on October 12, 1927, in Klosterneuburg under Franz Moissl—it nonetheless holds an important place among his orchestral works and symphonic masterpieces.

March in E-flat major, WAB 116Anton Bruckner54rank/position

Marsch in Es-Dur (1865) WAB 116

As Anton Bruckner’s only work for wind band, the March in E-flat major, WAB 116 showcases the composer’s wide-ranging style.

Completed in 1865, the piece was seldom performed during his lifetime, and both its premiere and publication occurred posthumously.

While its melodies and harmonies foreshadow Bruckner’s later works, the piece is formally simple and the connections between sections are considered weak.

Performances and recordings are few, but a notable recording by the Linz Bruckner Orchestra exists, making it a valuable piece for those seeking a deeper understanding of Bruckner’s music.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore Bruckner’s musical world or experience the appeal of wind band music.

Psalm No. 150 in C majorAnton Bruckner55rank/position

Anton Bruckner – 150. Psalm – for soprano, chorus and orchestra

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.

Intermezzo in D minor, WAB 113Anton Bruckner56rank/position

Anton Bruckner – Intermezzo in D minor, WAB 113: Intermezzo for String Quintet. Bruckner / Intermezzo

Composed in 1879, the Intermezzo in D minor, WAB 113 was originally conceived as the scherzo section of a string quintet but was later published as an independent work.

In this piece—where Bruckner’s profound religiosity fuses with his passion for music—one finds grandeur evocative of Austria’s rich natural landscapes and the solemn majesty of Baroque churches.

Outstanding recordings by various ensembles, such as the Bartholdy Quintet and the Melos Quartet, each recreate Bruckner’s worldview through their own interpretations, making it well worth enjoying comparative listening.