Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

The sonic equivalent of a confession of faith

Last week I introduced the natal Jupiter/Leo series with the following delineation: beliefs which occupy the symbolic center of society; for the United States, state-supported religion.

Another way to explore this theme is simply to listen to it. The horoscopes of the late Romantic composers Anton Bruckner, Gustav Mahler, and Richard Wagner all contain Jupiter in Leo in its own bound. This week, let’s sample four of Bruckner’s compositions associated with successive transit cycles of Jupiter through Leo.

After achieving early success with a choral composition, Bruckner devoted himself primarily to orchestral music. His symphonic style is distinguished by its monumental use of brass instruments—a Leo astrological signification I have often observed in the horoscopes of brass musicians, from orchestral performers to jazz horn players. Music historians have compared Bruckner’s brass writing to a cathedral choir, the priest elevating the Host, or simply a public proclamation of faith and authority. You decide.

Transit: Jupiter/Leo: 29-Jun-1860 to 26-Jul-1861

Ave Maria (choral). Composed and premiered during this transit; first performance 12-May-1861.

Transit: Jupiter/Leo: 12-Jun-1872 to 15-Nov-1872; 16-Jan-1873 to 7-Jul-1873

tSymphony No. 3. Completed in 1873 and presented by Bruckner to Richard Wagner at Bayreuth in September 1873, who accepted its dedication. Nicknamed the "Wagner Symphony." Please note the partile conjunction of Bruckner's Jupiter (3°35′ Leo) and Wagner's Jupiter (3°41′ Leo)—a difference of just six minutes of arc!

Transit: Jupiter/Leo: 21-May-1884 to 18-Oct-1884; 26-Feb-1885 to 15-Jun-1885

Symphony No. 7. Premiered in Leipzig on 30-Dec-1884, with revisions continuing into 1885. Sometimes nicknamed the "Lyric Symphony," it brought Bruckner the greatest public success of his career.

Transit: Jupiter/Leo: 4-Sep-1895 to 1-Mar-1895; 18-Apr-1893 to 28-Sep-1896.

Symphony No. 9. Dedicated "To the beloved God," Bruckner worked on this symphony during the final year of his life. He died on 11-Oct-1896, leaving the work unfinished.