"Yesterday I heard Bruckner's fifth symphony and it moved me to tears. For a long time afterwards I was completely entranced. What a strange and profound spirit" (Jean Sibelius after hearing Bruckner's Fifth)

Franz Schalk's letter to Anton Bruckner after the first performance of the Fifth symphony in 1894:

"Honored master ! You surely must have heard of the enormous impression which your great and wonderful Fifth has made. I can only add that this night will remain among the most wonderful memories of my whole life. Deeply moved , I blissfully left myself walking in the realms of eternal greatness. No one who has not heard it can imagine the crushing power of the Finale. Thus, my dearly beloved master, I lay all my admiration to your feet in ardent enthusiasm and bring Hail to him who created such a work. Your deeply grateful and for ever faithful Francisce."

"For me, the fact of Bruckner's existence is God's greatest gift" (Sergiu Celibidache)

This lovely short video on rehesals and performance of Bruckner's Mass (Benedictus) is viewable on Youtube.