Bruckner showed both his Second and Third symphonies to Wagner [his idol, whom he had long worshiped from afar – LF], asking him to pick one he preferred. To Bruckner’s delight, Wagner chose the Third, and Bruckner dedicated the symphony to the master he highly respected. According to an anecdote, Bruckner and Wagner drank so much beer together that, upon arriving home, Bruckner realized that he had forgotten which symphony Wagner had chosen. He wrote a letter back to Wagner saying “Symphony in D minor, where the trumpet begins the theme?”. Wagner scribbled back “Yes! Best wishes! Richard Wagner.” Ever since then, Wagner referred to Bruckner as “Bruckner the trumpet” and the two became firm friends. (– Wikipedia)
A different account of this incident, along with a wealth of other anecdotes, can be found in these fine CSO program notes.