Symphony No. 3 in D minor
Anton Bruckner
Work background
Researched classical background
Bruckner dedicated his Third Symphony to Wagner, and its early version includes references to Wagner's music. Revision repeatedly changed the score's proportions, orchestration, and quoted material. The symphony's broad brass statements and strongly contrasted blocks remain central features, but listeners comparing recordings may encounter substantially different texts. The version year is therefore more informative than the symphony number alone.
A listening guide
Compare a clearly identified early version with a later one and notice changes in transitions, length, and orchestral detail.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1873 first version; revised 1877 and 1889
These are distinct principal versions rather than one continuous compositional period.
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: Wagner Symphony
Date, title and version notes
The principal 1873, 1877, and 1889 versions differ substantially.
Symphony No. 3 in D minor | Complete Edition | Anton Bruckner | Musikwissenschaftlichen Verlag - MWV
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 3 in D minor | Complete Edition | Anton Bruckner | Musikwissenschaftlichen Verlag - MWV
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.