Te Deum
Anton BRUCKNER
1824-1896
Bruckner took three years to compose his Te Deum (Thee, God, we praise). This hymn of thanksgiving is one of the church’s oldest prayers, with the text attributed to Saint Ambrose in the 5th century.
The piece was first performed on May 2, 1885, as a version accompanied by two pianos. It was performed with a full orchestra on January 10 of the following year in the Great Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein. The iconic concert hall has been the site of the first performances of major works by Brahms, Mahler, Ravel, and of course, Bruckner.
Performed around 30 times during the composer’s lifetime, Te Deum is one of the rare Bruckner works that was universally well-received. The hymn was written for a large ensemble and divided into five parts. A grand and imposing overture sets the tone of the piece. The second peaceful and imploring section, imbued with the spirit of Beethoven, puts the soloists in the spotlight. It is followed by a central episode of apocalyptic fury, after which calm returns as the soloists and chorus alternately plead, “Save your people.” A brief return to the opening theme signals the conclusion. A brilliant contrapuntist,* Bruckner concludes his hymn with a skillful and joyful fugue, followed by a chorale that provides a triumphant conclusion to his Te Deum.