‘Bachsen Sachen’ at Bruckner

This year, on September 4 to be precise, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of Anton Bruckner’s birth in Ansfelden, near Linz. This milestone prompted numerous institutions, orchestras, and musicians to showcase the famous Austrian composer. Although he left behind hardly any significant organ works, organists cannot ignore him: Bruckner is known as one of the great nineteenth-century organ improvisers. As part of Bruckner’s jubilee year, Dick Luijmes examined his biography and highlighted two topics significant in Bruckner’s organistry. This article explores the role Johann Sebastian Bach’s music played in Bruckner’s life, particularly the place of the ‘Bachsen Sachen’ in the jubilator’s organ performances and lessons.