Anton Bruckner (1824 – 1896), an Austrian composer of the 19^th century, is renowned for his massive symphonic works. His symphonies have been likened to ‘cathedrals of sound’. This is a very apt description, for just as cathedrals are built from regular, unremarkable slabs of stone, Bruckner’s symphonies are constructed from regular, unremarkable musical phrases.

The above comparison can be taken even further, as Bruckner's symphonies have a similar effect upon the ear to that experienced by the eye as it gazes upon a great cathedral. Just as individual grey slabs of stone merge and transform into shapes of immense, towering beauty, so the simple, regular, naïve phrases of a Bruckner symphony combine to create music of an awe inspiring splendour, creating huge, gloriously impressive structures of curving sound.

Bruckner used simple, unremarkable musical ideas as the building blocks of his imagination, combining and layering them upon one another to create uniquely impressive symphonies. What aspects of the everyday and unremarkable could you combine and build upon to create something unique and innovative? Could average performers be combined into a highly effective,  specialised team? Could tried and tested processes and ways of working be combined and developed in new and innovative ways?

Sometimes seeking out creative ways to build upon the routine and unremarkable, those things in the easily overlooked grey background that surrounds you, can help you create your very own, unique cathedrals of innovation.

To listen to Bruckner's music click Here. 

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