Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 - An Analysis

Vince Sheehan explores the themes and structures of this great symphony. Musical illustrations are played on both the violin and piano. Numbers below refer to bar/measures:
1. Exposition: 1st Subject, 2nd Subject (49), 3rd Subject (101), Codetta (129); Development (145); Recapitulation: 1st Subject (195), 2nd Subject (245), 3rd Subject (285); Coda (309)
2. Exposition: 1st Subject, 2nd Subject (25), 3rd Subject (53); Development (69); Recapitulation: 1st Subject (93), 2nd Subject (113), 3rd Subject (133); Coda (157)
3. A; B (Trio); A
3. Exposition: 1st Subject, 2nd Subject (65), 3rd Subject (125); Development (145); Recapitulation: 1st Subject (245), 2nd Subject (299), 3rd Subject (331); Coda (371)

[@mr-wx3lv]

That final coda of the first movement. Uncannily sounds like "Laurence of Arabia" tune... Surely that's a coincidence,😊. But seriously Bruckner wrote some amazing codas. Thanks for expanding on it...

[@tortuedelanuit2299]

Such a great symphony. The opening rhythm is Morse code, and the modal theme is in this air of mystery. I realized during one of your sound clips in the final movement that the clarinet always plays the role of trickster in Bruckner symphonies, like the Eb clarinet of Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel. This is also heard before the emphatic restatement of the opening theme in the first movement, when the clarinet tries to waylay the orchestra but the brass is having none of it.
I know of three great recordings that have both the necessary precision and passion.
Dresden Staatskapelle with Jochum
Vienna Philharmonic with Stein
Bavarian Radio live with Jansons

[@vincentsheehan3193]

Great comment- thanks!

[@jp-gl9fm]

VInce, you forgot to change your shirt for the finale

[@vincentsheehan3193]

I’ll remember next time!

[@theenergyflowtribejamesbro1302]

Thank you for this Bruckner 6. I find this symphony amazing, an inspiration when considering Bruckner's personal circumstances. No hint of any uncertainty or gloom in this work and twenty-one days after completion, Bruckner commenced his 7th.
I feel Bruckner was at the height of his powers here in this Major key Ternary from his 4th to 7th. Thank you once again.