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Background:

• Written in 1874 and revised several times through 1888. Dedicated to Prince Konstantin of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfurst. Premiered in Vienna in 1881, conducted by Hans Richter, to great acclaim.
• At least 7 authentic versions and revisions have been identified. Currently the three most recognised versions are: Version I – 1874 (Nowak Edition & Korstvedt Edition); Version II – 1878 – 1880 (Korstvedt Edition, Volksfest Finale Only, Andante and Volksfest Finale, Haas Edition, Nowak Edition, Cohrs Edition); and Version III – 1888 (Gutmann Edition, Mahler Reorchestration, Korstvedt Critical Edition).
• The Symphony evokes a medieval landscape of dawn, castle gates opening, and knights riding into nature. It is Bruckner’s most explicitly programmatic work; blending images of medieval chivalry, nature, and rustic folk life, with his signature monumental style.

Recordings:

• Symphony No. 4.
  London Symphony Orchestra.
  Bernard Haitink.
  LSO Live.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2011).

• Anton Bruckner 4.
  Anima Eterna Brudge.
  Pablo Herras-Casado.
  Harmonia Mundi.
  Gramophone Magazine (2024): Editor’s Choice.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2024).
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2024): Winner.
  International Classical Music Awards (2025): Nominated Symphonic Music.

• Bruckner 4: The 3 Versions.
  Bamberger Symphoniker.
  Jakub Hrusa.
  Accentus Music.
  International Classical Music Awards (2022): Winner Symphonic Music.

• Symphonies 4 – 9.
  Berliner Philharmoniker.
  Herbert von Karajan.
  Deutsche Grammophon.

• Symphonies Nos. 0 – 9. Wagner Orchestral Music.
  Gewandhausorchester.
  Andris Nelsons.
  Deutsche Grammophon.
  International Classical Music Awards (2024): Nominated Symphonic Music.

• Symphony No. 4.
  London Symphony Orchestra.
  Sir Simon Rattle.
  LSO Live.
  BBC Music Magazine (2022): Orchestral Choice.
  Gramophone Magazine (2022): Editor’s Choice.
  Radio 3 Record Review (2022): Record of the Week.
  International Classical Music Awards (2023): Nominated Symphonic Music.

• Bruckner 4 Version 1888.
  Philharmonie Festiva.
  Gerd Schaller.
  Hanssler Profil.
  Gramophone Magazine (2024): Editor’s Choice.
  Gramophone Magazine (2024): Critics’ Choice.

• 11 Symphonies. Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major ‘Romantic’ (Edition Haas).
  Wiener Philharmoniker.
  Christian Thielemann.
  Sony.
  GramophoneMagazine (2021): Editor’s Choice.
  International Classical Music Awards (2023): Nominated Symphonic Music.
  Gramophone Magazine (2026): Critics’ Choice 2021.

• Symphony No. 4 ‘Romantic.’
  Minnesota Orchestra.
  Osmo Vanska.
  BIS.

• Symphony No. 4.
  Berliner Philharmoniker.
  Gunter Wand.
  RCA Red Seal.
  Gramophone Awards (1999): Winner Orchestral.
  Radio 3 Building a Library (2012): First Choice.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.