Bruckner Birthday Broadcast: Five Days, Five Monumental Movements

A symphonic journey honouring Bruckner’s birthday, one masterpiece at a time.

Born on September 4, 1824, in Ansfelden, Upper Austria, Anton Bruckner began his musical journey modestly—educated by his schoolmaster father, serving as organist in local churches, and eventually growing into a towering symphonist . A late bloomer, his major symphonic works emerged after age 39, following years of teaching and devout study.

Working in Vienna, Bruckner persevered through criticism and self-doubt, revising his scores relentlessly before gradually gaining recognition—especially after the success of his Symphony No. 7 in the mid-1880s. His music—monumental, spiritual, and architecturally grand—has earned him a place as one of Romanticism’s central voices. He passed away in 1896, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

Monday, September 1: Symphony No. 2 (Symphony of Pauses) (C minor) – Finale

Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under Daniel Barenboim

Composed in 1872 and premiered in 1873 with Bruckner conducting, the Second Symphony was a breakthrough in his symphonic architecture—expanding thematic development and formal structure, setting new groundwork for his later works. Known colloquially as the "Symphony of Pauses," it marks a pivotal leap in his musical language.

Tuesday, September 2: Symphony No. 4 “Romantic” (E-flat major) – Finale

Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Daniel Barenboim

Held as one of Bruckner’s most celebrated works, the Fourth Symphony was composed in the 1870s and revised through 1888. Its premiere in 1881 under Hans Richter in Vienna was a milestone—the composer's first major public success . Nicknamed “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, the work blends lyrical melodies, Wagnerian harmony, and grand climaxes, evoking nature and medieval imagery.

Wednesday, September 3: Symphony No. 7 “Lyric” (E major) – First Movement

Performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under Bernard Haitink

Written between 1881–1883 and premiered in 1884, this symphony was both a memorial to Wagner and Bruckner’s crowning public triumph. Its first movement famously begins with a dream-inspired melody—158 named “a divinely given melodic whole”—rising from tremolo strings into a noble horn statement.

Thursday, September 4: Symphony No. 8 “Apocalyptic” (C minor) – Finale

Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Sir Georg Solti

Bruckner’s Eighth, often called “apocalyptic,” was composed over several years in the late 1880s. Its staggering power, emotional intensity, and orchestral breadth make it one of his most epic creations. Bruckner ascribed vivid imagery to its movements—a deathbed clock’s ticking, majestic fans, and a triumphant return—blending mythic and spiritual resonance.

 

Friday, September 5: Symphony No. 9 (D minor) – Finale

Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under Daniel Barenboim

The final symphony, composed from 1887 until his death in 1896, remains unfinished—Bruckner left three completed movements and sketches of the last, dedicated “to the beloved God”. The work stands as a deeply personal farewell, infused with solemnity, spiritual yearning, and unresolved transcendence.

 

Why Listen This Week

Each broadcasted movement traverses a facet of Bruckner’s evolving artistry:

• Monday: The daring structural expansions of the young Bruckner in Symphony No. 2.

• Tuesday: The lyrical grandeur and Romantic imagery of Symphony No. 4.

• Wednesday: A sorrowful yet majestic tribute in Symphony No. 7’s first movement.

• Thursday: The cosmic drama and overwhelming emotional scope of the Eighth.

• Friday: The unfinished, introspective, and sacred qualities of the Ninth.