Adoration of Wagner

Donald Macleod journeys through the developing relationship between Bruckner and Richard Wagner.

Anton Bruckner was one of the great symphonists, and yet recognition for his talents as a composer came late in life. An Austrian by birth, noted for his improvisatory skills at the organ, he received invitations to travel abroad to France and England to demonstrate his skills. But though he would eventually be recognised as one of the most innovative composers of the late 19th century, during his lifetime he was plagued by doubt, not helped by the harsh reactions of Viennese music critics. He was also often dubbed a buffoon because of his dress, dialect and mannerisms. This week Donald Macleod lifts the lid on the life and music of Anton Bruckner, focusing upon different themes to better understand both the man and the music.

It was Otto Kitzler who first introduced Bruckner to the music of Richard Wagner and, from that point, Bruckner was a devotee. This encounter had a huge impact upon Bruckner’s own compositions, which took on a new lease of life.

Bruckner would go on to meet Richard Wagner a number of times, and would even kiss his hand and call him Master. He visited Munich for the premiere of Tristan and Isolde, and also travelled to Bayreuth where he showed Wagner two of his symphonies. His third symphony was dedicated to Wagner and included references to several of his operas. But not everyone in Vienna was a fan of Wagner and there was a deep divide between those who followed Wagner and those who championed Brahms - a division which created much public hostility towards the adoring Bruckner.

Symphony No 3, WAB 103 (excerpt)
Vienna Philharmonic
Christian Thielemann, conductor

String Quartet in C minor, WAB 111 (Scherzo)
Zehetmair Quartet

Symphony No 1 in C minor, WAB 101 (Scherzo)
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor

Tota pulchra es, antiphon, WAB 46
Latvian Radio Choir
Sigvards Klava, director

Symphony No 3, WAB 103 (Adagio, bewegt, quasi andante)
Vienna Philharmonic
Christian Thielemann, conductor

Symphony No 7 in E major, WAB 107 (Finale)
Staatskapelle Dresden
Eugen Jochum, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock