Symphony No. 4 in E-Flat Major, WAB 104

Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, known as the “Romantic,” is one of his most celebrated and frequently performed works. Composed initially in 1874 and extensively revised until 1888, it is recognized for its majestic orchestration, atmospheric daybreak openings, horn calls, and a structure that unfolds across four broad movements. The nickname “Romantic” was chosen by Bruckner himself and reflects his intention to evoke the spirit of medieval romance, hunting scenes, and images of nature. The symphony was first premiered by Hans Richter in Vienna in 1881 and marked Bruckner’s breakthrough success with the public.
 
Bruckner himself described the movements as a depiction of a medieval town at dawn, the bustle of life beginning, a prayerful serenade, a hunting scene in the forest, and finally a dramatic, triumphant resolution. The symphony is scored for a classical orchestra: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, and strings. The symphony is in four movements:

​First Movement “Daybreak” (Bewegt, nicht zu schnell):
It opens with shimmering string tremolos and a lyrical, horn-led dawn theme evoking daybreak over a medieval city. The music then unfolds in classic sonata form, with a bold, brass-driven “Bruckner rhythm” theme and a second, more lyrical and birdsong-inspired theme introduced by the violins. Then it develops through dramatic contrasts, powerful brass chorales, and dynamic use of orchestral color, ultimately building to a triumphant coda that revisits the opening horn motif.
 
Second Movement “Song” (Andante, quasi allegretto):
This movement begins with an introspective cello melody in C minor, leading to a prayerful chorale and an extended viola serenade, accompanied by pizzicato strings. It suggests both a solemn procession and an unfulfilled romance, as described by Bruckner. The dynamic rises to an emotional climax before subsiding into a gently fading conclusion, maintaining a sense of solemnity throughout
 
Third Movement “Hunt” (Scherzo: Bewegt; Trio: Nicht zu schnell):
A vigorous hunt scherzo opens with bold brass fanfares and energetic, rhythmic drive, typifying the atmosphere of a medieval hunt. The central Trio offers contrast with a lilting Ländler (an Austrian country dance), suggestive of a peaceful, bucolic midday rest during the hunt. The scherzo returns with renewed intensity, again spotlighting Bruckner’s signature brass writing and dynamic contrasts.
 
Fourth Movement “Finale” (Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell):
The dramatic opening features a mysterious three-note motif, soon giving way to a tumultuous main theme and recalling musical material from earlier movements. The finale explores extremes of dynamics and musical tension, with lyrical song periods, birdlike woodwind interjections, and vigorous development. After a lengthy buildup, the coda restates the symphony’s opening theme in radiant fashion, providing a grand, affirming conclusion to the work.

The work is Bruckner’s first major public success and remains his most accessible symphony. This Symphony is often used as an introduction to his music. The evocative “Romantic” atmosphere, rich brass writing, and structure have made it a cornerstone of the late Romantic symphonic repertoire.
 
References
Gilliam, B. (2025). Symphony No. 4, Romantic: Composer Anton Bruckner. Boston Symphony Orchestra.
 
(2025, September 16). Symphony No. 4 By Bruckner. In Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_No._4_(Bruckner)
 
(2019, January 17). A Knight’s Tale: Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Romantic. Houston Symphony. https://houstonsymphony.org/bruckner-symphony-4/