Anton Bruckner

Anton Bruckner (September 9, 1824 - October 11, 1896) was an Austrian composer.

He was born in Ansfelden[?] to a schoolmaster and organist father with whom he first studied music. He studied at the St. Florian monastery[?], becoming an organist there in 1851. He continued his studies to the age of 40, but his most crucial contact was with the music of Richard Wagner which he first experienced in 1863. His other major influence is commonly considered to have been Ludwig van Beethoven. In 1868 he accepted a post as a teacher of music theory at the Vienna Conservatory[?]. At this point he concentrated most of his energies on writing symphonies. However these symphonies were poorly received, considered 'wild' and 'nonsensical'. He later accepted a post at Vienna University[?] in 1875 and beginning in the 1880s with Symphony No. 7 his work began to be accepted.

In addition to his symphonies, Bruckner wrote Masses, motets, and other sacred choral works. Unlike his highly romantic symphonies, Bruckner's choral works are often quite conservative and contrapuntal in style.

Bruckner died in Vienna, and his 9th Symphony premiered in the same city on February 11, 1903.