Despite Bruckner's pride in his Sixth Symphony, calling it his 'cheekiest,' it was largely neglected during his lifetime and remains one of his least performed symphonies.
Compositional Technique
The symphony's opening theme may have been inspired by the 'Retreat' bugle call of the Austrian army, which Bruckner improvised on in 1879.
Composition History
Anton Bruckner composed his Sixth Symphony over two years, from September 1879 to September 1881, dedicating it to his friend and landlord Anton Oelzelt von Newin.
Performer Biography
Markus Poschner, the conductor, has been chief conductor of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz since 2017 and was awarded 'Best Opera Conductor' in 2020 for his production of Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde'.
Recording & Production
This recording uses a revised and updated version of the score prepared by John Williamson for The New Anton Bruckner Collected Works Edition.
Interpretation
The Bruckner Orchestra Linz and conductor Markus Poschner aim to reveal the elemental force of Bruckner's music, freeing it from 'overblown pathos' and focusing on its roots in classical tradition and Austrian folk music.
Notable Performances
The complete Sixth Symphony was not performed until three years after Bruckner's death, with Gustav Mahler conducting a shortened version in 1899.
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