Bruckner, << BRUK nuhr, >> Anton (1824-1896), was an Austrian composer of the romantic period. Bruckner was admired in his time as an organist and church composer. Today, he is recognized more for his nine symphonies. He began composing them in 1865. They show the influence of the music of Richard Wagner.
Bruckner had a unique style. His music is highly repetitive and his symphonies are very long. Deeply religious, he felt he was composing them to the glory of God. Symphony No. 7 (1884) and the unfinished Symphony No. 9 (three movements composed from 1891 to 1894) are the most appreciated of his symphonies today.
Bruckner was born on Sept. 4, 1824, in Ansfelden. From 1855 to 1861 he took extensive training in the musical technique known as counterpoint. Until 1861, Bruckner worked as a schoolmaster and organist. He moved to Vienna in 1868. From that year until 1891, he taught theory and organ at the Vienna Conservatory. Bruckner died on Oct. 11, 1896.
