The Fest-Kantate Preiset den Herrn, WAB 16, is a festive cantata composed by Anton Bruckner in 1862 for the celebration of the laying of the foundation stone of the new Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom of Linz.

To celebrate the laying of the foundation stone of the new Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) of Linz, bishop Franz-Josef Rudigier asked Bruckner for a cantata.

Bruckner responded enthusiastly with the composition of the Festive Cantata Preiset den Herrn (Praise the Lord) on a text of the theologian Maximilian Pammesberger.

To celebrate the event the cantata was performed by the choir Frohsinn, invited guest singers and the brass band of the Infantry Regiment Freiherr von Bamberg No.

[1][2][3][4] The Festive Cantata, WAB 16, is the first notable religious work that Bruckner composed after his strenuous study period by Sechter.

Des Landes Stämme wallen fromm Aus allen Gauen zu dem Dom Von unsrer lieben Frauen; Sie grüßen sie viel tausendmal Und schöpfen Heil im Gnadensaal Durch Glauben und Vertrauen.

The tribes from all the districts of the country Go on a devout pilgrimage to the cathedral Of our blessed Lady; They greet her times without number And find salvation in the room of grace By faith and trust.

The 241-bar long work in D major for men's chorus, male solo quartet, bass soloist, and wind band (2 flutes, 2 oboes, 4 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 bass tuba and timpani),[9] is composed of eight short parts:[4] Total duration: 10 to 13 minutes.

… The contrast of full ensemble with a variety of smaller groups is convincing, and Bruckner has made effective use of the timbral resources available to him.

… Bruckner’s chord and key choices are often surprising and indicate that he was developing much more confidence in his unorthodox harmonic ideas.