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`They want me to write differently. Certainly I could, but I must not… How then would I stand there before Almighty God, if I followed the others and not Him?´ Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Despite facing a lot of opposition due to his link with Richard Wagner, Anton Bruckner proved to be one of the greatest symphonic composers of the 19th century. Browse our sheet music and scores, and explore all his magnificent works today!
His Childhood
Anton Bruckner was born in a suburb of Linz, Austria, where his father worked as a teacher. From an early age, Anton showed great musical talent, and by the time he finished school, he was already a highly accomplished organist. In 1837, Anton's father died, and he was sent way to be a chorister at the Augustinian Monastery of St. Florian. Bruckner was impressed by the excellent, freshly restored organ in the monastery, and often played during services.
Salvation at St. Florian
In 1841, Bruckner's mother sent him to Linz to study to be a teacher, and he graduated with excellent grades. In the following years, he struggled with desolate living conditions in various rural schools. Fortunately, in 1845, he was able to return to St. Florian, where he worked as a teacher and organist for the ten years.
From 1855, Bruckner began studying, mainly remotely by post, with some of the leading musicians in Vienna, particularly with Simon Sechter and Otto Kitzler. He continued his studies well until the age of 40, and it was at this age, that he began to write his great sacred and symphonic works.
