Anton Bruckner – Life Milestones

Announcement of Anton Bruckner’s death, Austrian symphonist and organist.

Announcement marking the death of Anton Bruckner, whose symphonic legacy reshaped late Romantic music.

1824 – Anton Bruckner is born on September 4 in Ansfelden, Austria.
1834 – Begins substituting for his father as an organist.
1835 – Completes his basic education in Hörsching, where Johann Baptist Weiß serves as schoolmaster.
1837 – In June, his father dies. Anton is sent to the Augustinian monastery of Sankt Florian to serve as a choirboy.
1841 – Trains as a schoolteacher in Linz.
1845 – Appointed assistant teacher in Sankt Florian; falls in love with Louise Bogner.
1851 – Becomes permanent organist at Sankt Florian; pays his first visit to Vienna.
1855 – Begins formal studies with the renowned Viennese music theorist Simon Sechter.
1863 – Attends a performance of Wagner’s Tannhäuser, an experience of lasting artistic impact.
1866 – Completes Symphony No. 1 in C minor.
1868 – Appointed Professor of Music Theory at the Vienna Conservatory.
1871 – Visits England and impresses audiences at the Royal Albert Hall.
1872 – The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra rejects Symphony No. 2.
1893 – His health deteriorates severely; he remains bedridden for much of the year.
1896 – Dies on October 11 in Vienna.

Anecdote

When invited to conduct one of his own works with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Bruckner stood motionless on the podium during rehearsal. After several minutes, the concertmaster politely remarked:

“We are ready, Mr. Bruckner. You may begin.”

Bruckner replied quietly:

“Oh no—after you, gentlemen.”

This moment perfectly reflects the composer’s humility and reverence toward performers, even in the face of his own monumental music.

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