Anton Bruckner (1824–1896) was an Austrian composer and virtuoso organist, author of grand symphonies that astonish with their scale, majesty, and deep religiosity. A modest, deeply devout man, he created music of a truly “cathedral” sweep.
Bruckner's symphonies (nine numbered, the last left unfinished) are built like giant sonic edifices, where mighty organ-like climaxes alternate with prayerful, concentrated episodes. Contemporaries did not immediately grasp his innovation, and recognition came hard. No less significant is his sacred music — masses and motets. Bruckner's art, which combined the traditions of Beethoven and Wagner with Baroque grandeur and his own deep faith, became one of the summits of 19th-century symphonism.
