Anniversary,
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Bruckner
On this day, two hundred years ago, Austrian composer and organist Anton Bruckner was born in Ansfelden, Austria. Best known for his choral works and symphonies, which were characteristic of the late Austro-German Romantic period, he is celebrated for his complex symphonic writing. He was a talented organist, and many musicologists highlight that his compositional style mirrors that of the sound of the pipe organ.
Bruckner was deeply religious, and he composed a significant amount of sacred music, including the frequently performed Te Deum, multiple masses, and motets.
He was incredibly self-critical and often reworked his compositions, which has resulted in numerous versions of his works. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Bruckner Problem’, finding authentic versions of his work, particularly his symphonies, is rather complicated.
To celebrate Bruckner's 200th birthday, we have curated a selection of some of our favourite Bruckner sheet music.
Bruckner Favourites
Despite Bruckner being an accomplished organist, he did not compose a great deal of solo organ music in his lifetime. Doblinger have however brought together a collection of works for solo organ by the composer.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Bruckner's smaller sacred works reveal a more personal side to the master symphonist and creator of large-scale orchestral masses. Throughout his life, Bruckner’s deep faith and dedication to the Catholic liturgy inspired him to write church music in smaller forms suitable for performance at Sunday service or in sacred concerts.
Available Format: Sheet Music
At times Romantic, at other times with a jazzy touch, this choral collection is full of exciting discoveries and arrangements at various levels of difficulty.
Available Format: Sheet Music
The a cappella classics Christus Factus Est and Locus Iste are central to this collection featuring the best of Bruckner's outstanding output for unaccompanied choir. Simon Halsey's performing edition includes an informative introduction, keyboard reductions for rehearsal and English translations of the Latin texts for reference.
Available Format: Sheet Music
In 1866 Anton Bruckner composed his solemn Mass in E minor, which he revised extensively in 1876–1882. Composed for a performance in the open air, the work stands out among Bruckner’s Masses and those of his contemporaries because of its scoring, omitting strings and organ in favour of an accompaniment for wind and brass instruments alone (Harmoniemusik).
Available Format: Sheet Music
"The pride of my life [...] my best work", was Anton Bruckner's own view of his Te Deum, which he dedicated to the Glory of God. This Edition Peters urtext vocal score has been used internationally by some of the best choirs, soloists and conductors.
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The nine symphonies composed by Anton Bruckner constitute landmarks of the Austro-Germanic symphonic tradition. These staples of the orchestral literature possess a grandeur, nobility of vision, and originality that have survived despite extensive revision and unauthorized editing by other musicians. Symphony No. 5 is one of Bruckner's finest orchestral works.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Bruckner's first symphony in C minor in study score format from Edition Eulenburg.
Find more Eulenburg editions of the symphonies.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Ellena Taylor - Sheet Music and Books Manager
