Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major, Romantic
Anton Bruckner
Work background
Researched classical background
Bruckner's Fourth begins with a solitary horn call over quiet string tremolo. Its familiar hunting scherzo belongs to the major revision of the work rather than the original 1874 score. Bruckner repeatedly reconsidered the symphony, especially its finale. The commonly encountered 1878/80 form and the later 1888 version should therefore be distinguished from the first version.
A listening guide
Listen for the opening horn call and the scherzo's hunting-style brass figures.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1874
Original 1874; substantially revised in 1878 and 1880, with another version in 1888.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Romantic Symphony
Date, title and version notes
Several authorized versions exist. The entry describes the work family rather than choosing an edition.
Bruckner Complete Edition: Fourth Symphony
1874, 1878/80 and 1888 versions | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Bruckner Romantic Symphony
Version history and musical guide | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Bruckner Complete Edition: Fourth Symphony
1874, 1878/80 and 1888 versions | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Bruckner Romantic Symphony
Version history and musical guide | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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