Linz 2015 - Program Book

31Anton Bruckner – *4 September 1824 in Ansfelden (Upper Austria) – † 11 October 1896 in ViennaAnton Bruckner is one of the outstanding Austriancomposers of the Romantic Period. Deeplyrooted in the Catholic tradition, he countsamong the most important and innovativecomposers of the second half of the 19 th centuryand, after Brahms and Wagner, is probably thecomposer whose work had a guiding function inthe development of European music. His worksexercised a great influence on following generationsof musicians well into the 20 th century.Anton Bruckner hailed from an Upper Austrianfamily of teachers. After the death of his fatherin 1837, he became a choirboy at the monasteryof St. Florian in Upper Austria. He first embarkedupon a teaching career in accordance with thefamily tradition. Passing his examination in1845, he was active as teacher and organistin St. Florian. His decision to dedicate himselfwholly to the music profession was made in1855. During this year he was appointed cathedralorganist in Linz, where his reputation as anoutstanding organist and improviser was firstformed. Bruckner’s first vocal masterworks werecomposed during this period in Linz, includingthe Masses in D minor, E minor and F minor. Heundertook further studies with Simon Sechter inVienna, whom he succeeded in 1868 as professorof figured bass, counterpoint and organ at theVienna Conservatory. His important symphonicproduction began for the most part after 1870.The symphonies underwent constant revisions,re-writings, refinements and even new versions.Bruckner was enthusiastic about the music ofRichard Wagner and was thus drawn into thewar between the traditionalist faction (aroundthe music critic Hanslick) and the so-called “NewGermans” (centred around Wagner). This quarrelbrought him animosity for years, causing himgreat disappointments. Although Bruckner’ssymphonic production dominates his vocal com-positions, he also succeeded in the latter area increating masterworks of great beauty and perfection.They are musically influenced by the classicsbut, more importantly, go back to the traditionsof Palestrina and the Venetian masters of the16 th and 17 th centuries. Today, his famous a-cappellamotets belong to the standard repertoire ofmany choirs.Anton Bruckner died on 11 October 1896 at theage of 72. His remains were brought to Saint Florianand buried in the monastery church underthe organ.