Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

Episode 1
BBC Radio Three, Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) Episode 1 of 5

Although Bruckner is now celebrated as one of the greatest symphonists of the 19th century, he took an unusually long time to achieve his musical ambitions. Donald Macleod traces Bruckner's extended musical apprenticeship from his father's organ bench in the village church to the creation of his first symphony nearly forty years later.

Broadcast: 13 July 2015
Duration: 1 hour


Episode 2
Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) Episode 2 of 5

Overwork and frustration were fast making life in the city of Linz intolerable for Bruckner. Even so, the hesitant composer had to be coaxed and cajoled into taking the next big leap in his career that would take him to Vienna, one of the great musical centres of the world. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Broadcast: 14 July 2015
Duration: 1 hour


Episode 3
Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) Episode 3 of 5

Bruckner's radical and visionary approach to writing symphonies was not going down well in his home of Vienna. The deeply conservative audience found his music baffling and the critics were caustic. Bruckner took refuge at the monastery of St. Florian and the organ he'd played as a child. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Broadcast: 15 July 2015
Duration: 1 hour


Episode 4
Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) Episode 4 of 5
Bruckner's elation following the success of his seventh symphony was short lived. His next symphony was rejected as bewildering by his conductor friend and 'artistic father', Hermann Levi, dealing a blow to the composer's confidence that had devastating consequences. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Broadcast: 16 July 2015
Duration: 1 hour


Episode 5
Composer of the Week, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) Episode 5 of 5
Donald Macleod looks at how biographers have struggled to reconcile what we know of Bruckner the man with the spirit of his music, and the perplexing task of unpicking his ultimate musical intentions from the multiple versions and editions of his symphonies he left behind.

Broadcast: 17 July 2015
Duration: 1 hour