Bruckner: Vocal Works

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Explore the complete catalog of Vocal compositions by Bruckner. This curated list includes composition years, historical Wikipedia context, and interactive audio to add specific tracks directly to your listening queue.

Title Year Actions
Afferentur regi, WAB 1

Afferentur regi (Led to the king), WAB 1, is a motet, which Anton Bruckner composed on 7 November 1861 on the text of the Offertorium of the Missa pro Virgine et Martyre.

Ave Maria, WAB 5

Ave Maria (Hail Mary), WAB 5, is a setting of the Latin prayer Ave Maria by Anton Bruckner.

Ave Maria, WAB 6

Ave Maria (Hail Mary), WAB 6, is a sacred motet by Anton Bruckner, a setting of the Latin prayer Ave Maria. He composed it in Linz in 1861 and scored the short work in F major for seven unaccompanied voices. The piece, sometimes named an Offertorium, was published in Vienna in 1867. Before, Bruckner composed the same prayer in 1856 for soprano, alto, a four-part mixed choir, organ and cello, WAB 5. Later, he set the text in 1882 for a solo voice (alto) and keyboard (organ, piano or harmonium), WAB 7.

Christus factus est, WAB 10

Christus factus est ("Christ became obedient"), WAB 11, is a sacred motet by Anton Bruckner, his third setting of the Latin gradual Christus factus est, composed in 1884. Before, Bruckner composed in 1844 a first piece on the same text as gradual of the Messe für den Gründonnerstag (WAB 9), and in 1873 a motet (WAB 10) for eight-part mixed choir, three trombones, and string instruments ad libitum. The motet is an expressive setting of the gradual, influenced by Wagner's music.

Christus factus est, WAB 11

Christus factus est ("Christ became obedient"), WAB 11, is a sacred motet by Anton Bruckner, his third setting of the Latin gradual Christus factus est, composed in 1884. Before, Bruckner composed in 1844 a first piece on the same text as gradual of the Messe für den Gründonnerstag (WAB 9), and in 1873 a motet (WAB 10) for eight-part mixed choir, three trombones, and string instruments ad libitum. The motet is an expressive setting of the gradual, influenced by Wagner's music.

Das deutsche lied, WAB 63

Der deutsche Gesang ("The German song"), WAB 63, is a patriotic song composed by Anton Bruckner in 1892, one year before Helgoland.

Der Abendhimmel, WAB 56

Anton Bruckner is best known for his symphonic works; there are 11 symphonies (the last with an unfinished finale), most of them in several versions. He also composed a few other smaller orchestral works (one overture, one march and three 'small orchestral pieces'), and sketched another symphony. Bruckner also composed a considerable amount of choral music. There are 59 religious works, of which there are 17 larger choral works (seven masses, two requiems, one religious cantata, five psalm settings, one Te Deum hymn and one Magnificat hymn), 40 smaller choral works (16 hymns, six antiphons, six graduals, three settings of the offertorium, two chorale, two religious elegies, two Libera me, one litany and two other motets), of which a few are in two or three versions, and two aequalia for three trombones. In addition, Bruckner made sketches for two other masses and another requiem. Bruckner also composed 44 Weltliche Chorwerke (secular choral works), seven secular cantatas, of which two are in three versions, and about 20 Lieder for voice and piano. Bruckner's chamber music includes one theme and variations and six scherzos for string quartet, one string quartet with alternative rondo, one string quintet with additional intermezzo, one duo for violin and piano, and about 50 small piano works. Other instrumental music includes a few organ works, of which some are of doubtful authorship, and one military march for concert band.

Ecce sacerdos, WAB 13

Ecce sacerdos magnus (Behold a great priest), WAB 13, is an 1885 sacred motet by the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. It is a musical setting of the antiphon of the same title.

Helgoland, WAB 71

Helgoland, WAB 71, is a secular, patriotic cantata for male choir and orchestra, composed by Anton Bruckner in 1893. Since Bruckner did not complete the 9th symphony, Helgoland is his last complete work.

Iam lucis orto sidere, WAB 18

Iam lucis orto sidere (Now that the daylight fills the sky), WAB 18, is a motet composed by Anton Bruckner in 1868. The work is also known as In S. Angelum custodem (In the custody of the holy angel). Bruckner revised the composition in 1886.

In jener letzten der Nächte, WAB 17

In jener letzten der Nächte (In this last of nights), WAB 17, is a motet composed by Anton Bruckner.

Inveni David, WAB 19

Inveni David (I have found David), WAB 19, is a sacred motet composed by Anton Bruckner in 1868.

Libera me, Domine, WAB 21

Anton Bruckner is best known for his symphonic works; there are 11 symphonies (the last with an unfinished finale), most of them in several versions. He also composed a few other smaller orchestral works (one overture, one march and three 'small orchestral pieces'), and sketched another symphony. Bruckner also composed a considerable amount of choral music. There are 59 religious works, of which there are 17 larger choral works (seven masses, two requiems, one religious cantata, five psalm settings, one Te Deum hymn and one Magnificat hymn), 40 smaller choral works (16 hymns, six antiphons, six graduals, three settings of the offertorium, two chorale, two religious elegies, two Libera me, one litany and two other motets), of which a few are in two or three versions, and two aequalia for three trombones. In addition, Bruckner made sketches for two other masses and another requiem. Bruckner also composed 44 Weltliche Chorwerke (secular choral works), seven secular cantatas, of which two are in three versions, and about 20 Lieder for voice and piano. Bruckner's chamber music includes one theme and variations and six scherzos for string quartet, one string quartet with alternative rondo, one string quintet with additional intermezzo, one duo for violin and piano, and about 50 small piano works. Other instrumental music includes a few organ works, of which some are of doubtful authorship, and one military march for concert band.

Locus iste, WAB 23

Locus iste (English: This place), WAB 23, is a sacred motet composed by Anton Bruckner in 1869. The text is the Latin gradual Locus iste for the annual celebration of a church's dedication. The incipit, Locus iste a Deo factus est, translates to "This place was made by God". Bruckner set it for four unaccompanied voices, intended for the dedication of the Votivkapelle (votive chapel) at the New Cathedral in Linz, Austria, where Bruckner had been a cathedral organist. It was the first motet that Bruckner composed in Vienna. It was published in 1886, together with three other gradual motets. As a composition with no obvious technical difficulty, it has been performed by church choirs and by professionals, often to celebrate church dedications.

Mass in C major, WAB 25, "Windhaager Messe"

The Windhaager Messe, WAB 25, is a missa brevis composed by Anton Bruckner in 1842.

Mass no. 1 in D minor, WAB 146

The Mass No. 2 in E minor, WAB 27 is a setting of the mass ordinary for eight-part mixed choir and fifteen wind instruments, that Anton Bruckner composed in 1866.

Mass no. 2 in E minor, WAB 27

The Mass No. 2 in E minor, WAB 27 is a setting of the mass ordinary for eight-part mixed choir and fifteen wind instruments, that Anton Bruckner composed in 1866.

Mass no. 3 in F minor, WAB 28

The Mass No. 3 in F minor, WAB 28, is a setting of the mass ordinary for vocal soloists, chorus and orchestra, and organ ad libitum, that Anton Bruckner composed in 1867–1868.

Mitternacht, WAB 80

Um Mitternacht (At midnight), WAB 89, is a song composed by Anton Bruckner in 1864.

O du liebes Jesukind, WAB 145
Os justi, WAB 30

Os justi ('The mouth of the righteous'), WAB 30, is a sacred motet composed by Anton Bruckner in 1879. Os Justi is a Gregorian chant used as gradual of the Commune Doctorum, and as introit I and gradual II of the Commune Confessoris non Pontificis.

Pange lingua, WAB 32

Anton Bruckner is best known for his symphonic works; there are 11 symphonies (the last with an unfinished finale), most of them in several versions. He also composed a few other smaller orchestral works (one overture, one march and three 'small orchestral pieces'), and sketched another symphony. Bruckner also composed a considerable amount of choral music. There are 59 religious works, of which there are 17 larger choral works (seven masses, two requiems, one religious cantata, five psalm settings, one Te Deum hymn and one Magnificat hymn), 40 smaller choral works (16 hymns, six antiphons, six graduals, three settings of the offertorium, two chorale, two religious elegies, two Libera me, one litany and two other motets), of which a few are in two or three versions, and two aequalia for three trombones. In addition, Bruckner made sketches for two other masses and another requiem. Bruckner also composed 44 Weltliche Chorwerke (secular choral works), seven secular cantatas, of which two are in three versions, and about 20 Lieder for voice and piano. Bruckner's chamber music includes one theme and variations and six scherzos for string quartet, one string quartet with alternative rondo, one string quintet with additional intermezzo, one duo for violin and piano, and about 50 small piano works. Other instrumental music includes a few organ works, of which some are of doubtful authorship, and one military march for concert band.

Pange lingua, WAB 33

Anton Bruckner is best known for his symphonic works; there are 11 symphonies (the last with an unfinished finale), most of them in several versions. He also composed a few other smaller orchestral works (one overture, one march and three 'small orchestral pieces'), and sketched another symphony. Bruckner also composed a considerable amount of choral music. There are 59 religious works, of which there are 17 larger choral works (seven masses, two requiems, one religious cantata, five psalm settings, one Te Deum hymn and one Magnificat hymn), 40 smaller choral works (16 hymns, six antiphons, six graduals, three settings of the offertorium, two chorale, two religious elegies, two Libera me, one litany and two other motets), of which a few are in two or three versions, and two aequalia for three trombones. In addition, Bruckner made sketches for two other masses and another requiem. Bruckner also composed 44 Weltliche Chorwerke (secular choral works), seven secular cantatas, of which two are in three versions, and about 20 Lieder for voice and piano. Bruckner's chamber music includes one theme and variations and six scherzos for string quartet, one string quartet with alternative rondo, one string quintet with additional intermezzo, one duo for violin and piano, and about 50 small piano works. Other instrumental music includes a few organ works, of which some are of doubtful authorship, and one military march for concert band.

Psalm 150, WAB 38

Anton Bruckner's Psalm 150, WAB 38, is a setting of Psalm 150 for mixed chorus, soprano soloist and orchestra written in 1892.

Salvum fac populum, WAB 40

Salvum fac populum tuum ("O Lord, save thy people"; literally "Make your people safe"), WAB 40, is a motet composed by Anton Bruckner in 1884.

Tantum ergo, WAB 32

"Tantum ergo" is the incipit of the last two verses of Pange lingua, a Medieval Latin hymn composed by St. Thomas Aquinas circa A.D. 1264. The "Genitori genitoque" and "Procedenti ab utroque" portions are adapted from Adam of Saint Victor's sequence for Pentecost. The hymn's Latin incipit literally translates to "Therefore so great". The singing of the Tantum ergo occurs during adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Catholic Church and other denominations that have this devotion. It is usually sung, though solemn recitation is sometimes done, and permitted.

Tantum ergo, WAB 43

"Tantum ergo" is the incipit of the last two verses of Pange lingua, a Medieval Latin hymn composed by St. Thomas Aquinas circa A.D. 1264. The "Genitori genitoque" and "Procedenti ab utroque" portions are adapted from Adam of Saint Victor's sequence for Pentecost. The hymn's Latin incipit literally translates to "Therefore so great". The singing of the Tantum ergo occurs during adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Catholic Church and other denominations that have this devotion. It is usually sung, though solemn recitation is sometimes done, and permitted.

Te Deum, WAB 45

The Te Deum in C major, WAB 45, is a setting of the Te Deum hymn, composed by Anton Bruckner for SATB choir and soloists, orchestra, and organ ad libitum.

Tota pulchra es, WAB 46

Joseph Anton Bruckner (; German: [ˈantoːn ˈbʁʊknɐ] ; 4 September 1824 – 11 October 1896) was an Austrian composer and organist best known for his symphonies and sacred music, which includes Masses, Te Deum and motets. The symphonies are considered emblematic of the final stage of Austro-German Romanticism because of their rich harmonic language, strongly polyphonic character, and considerable length. Bruckner's compositions helped to define contemporary musical radicalism, owing to their dissonances, unprepared modulations, and roving harmonies. Unlike other musical radicals such as Richard Wagner and Hugo Wolf, Bruckner showed respect, even humility, before other famous musicians, Wagner in particular. This apparent dichotomy between Bruckner the man and Bruckner the composer hampers efforts to describe his life in a way that gives a straightforward context for his music. The German conductor Hans von Bülow described him as "half genius, half simpleton". Bruckner was critical of his own work and often reworked his compositions. There are several versions of many of his works. His works, the symphonies in particular, had detractors, most notably the influential Austrian critic Eduard Hanslick and other supporters of the German composer Johannes Brahms, who pointed to their large size and use of repetition, as well as to Bruckner's propensity for revising many of his works, often with the assistance of colleagues, and his apparent indecision about which versions he preferred. On the other hand, Bruckner was greatly admired by subsequent composers, including his friend Gustav Mahler.

Um Mitternacht, WAB 89

Mitternacht (Midnight), WAB 80, is a song composed by Anton Bruckner in 1869.

Vexilla regis prodeunt, WAB 51

Vexilla regis (The royal banner), WAB 51, is the final motet written by the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner.

Virga Jesse, WAB 52

Virga Jesse (The branch from Jesse), WAB 52, is a motet by the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. It sets the gradual Virga Jesse floruit for unaccompanied mixed choir.