Austrian composer. In his youth, he studied harmony and organ playing with his cousin, Weiss. After losing his father in his teens, he grew up as a member of the boys' choir at St. Florian Monastery, where he was taught by the organist Kattner. Bruckner, who became a teacher and followed in his late father's footsteps, sometimes played the violin at weddings and dance gatherings. He also studied under the organist Zenetti, and while being promoted as a teacher, he also served as the organist at St. Florian Monastery. During this time, he continued his studies in piano, organ, and counterpoint, eventually receiving a certificate from the Imperial Court Kapellmeister in Vienna, attesting to his being a "masterful and authentic organist." He also composed a Requiem and a Missa solemnis. The Missa solemnis he composed at this time was of such quality that it led to his acceptance as a pupil by the Viennese music theorist Simon Sechter. However, it was not until the spring of 1856, when he was appointed organist of Linz Cathedral and the city's parish church, that Bruckner resolved to establish himself as a musician. With the support of the bishop, he was able to study under Sechter and the Kapellmeister of the Linz Theater. Although he sometimes suffered from ill health due to mental exhaustion, he taught music theory and organ at the Vienna Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Conservatory. His achievements as an organist are evident in his success at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and his performances at the Crystal Palace during the London World Exhibition.

As a composer, Bruckner was devoted to Wagner but his musical expression did not necessarily overlap with Wagner's. Rather, it is believed that their artistic views differed. He is regarded as the greatest church musician of the latter half of the 19th century, as well as the greatest symphonic composer. Bruckner, who passed away before completing his Symphony No. 9, was given a grand funeral attended by a wide range of citizens in Vienna.