Bruckner, Geistliche Chorwerke

I began writing the description for this week’s performance pick not at all sure what I can say that would be useful. Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) is best known for his rather lengthy symphonies. I think of him as a bit of a hard case.

On the list of musical works that I really know, works by Bruckner are few. Of course, I bought recordings of his symphonies and dutifully listened to them. But only after I have really embraced (obsessed over) a piece and returned to it many times do I think I have gained some “ownership” of it—in the sense that it is embedded in my memory. Only two of his nine symphonies fall in that category. I can think of no good reason why the list is so short. Yes, Bruckner has a reputation for being somewhat longwinded and repetitious. His themes are not especially catchy. But that is just to say there may be a longer learning curve.

These five sacred choral works, however, present a rather short learning curve. They strike me as a good place to start if you are new to Bruckner. An intensely religious man, Bruckner composed numerous sacred choral works. If you have sung in a choir, you may find one or two familiar. Your path to embracing Bruckner will be made easier by this stunning performance by the SWR Vokalensemble.

On a side note, the performance takes place in the Speyer Dom. I am no stranger to Germany’s Cathedrals, but I visited Speyer for the first and only time a few years ago. Cathedrals are always more impressive when your visit coincides with the organist’s practice session, as mine did, but I found many reasons to put it on my short list of places to revisit. Professor Carol floats up and down the Rhine more frequently than I and Speyer frequently appears on her itinerary. Maybe she will take me back there sometime.