Anton Bruckner (1824 – 1896) was an Austrian composer known for his monumental symphonies, masses and motets. He was a simple man with an intense devotion to the spiritual life.

This motet was written in 1878 and scored for solo tenor, choir and organ. The complete title is Antiphon – Tota pulchra es Maria. It’s not known when he re-scored it for SATB. Both versions feature a dialog between a soloist and the full quintet. His use of sudden contrasts of timbre and dynamics as well as some unexpected harmonic choices make this piece a welcome addition to the repertoire.

Composer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: 2 Bb Trumpets, F Horn, Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 4:50 / 11 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A