If one includes the F minor study symphony dating from 1863, and the Symphony no. ‘0’ dating from 1869, then Anton Bruckner composed a total of 11 symphonies. However, Bruckner weeded out both early works from his definite canon of symphonies, and therefore the symphony which received the conclusive number of 9 was also most emphatically his ‘Ninth’. His ‘farewell’ work. Principally due to the legacy left by Beethoven, the term ‘Ninth’ made him overly feel awkward, perhaps even somewhat fearful. Otherwise, it is impossible to explain why Bruckner laid aside his work on the Symphony No. 9 so shortly after beginning with such commitment, and consciously turned to other projects.