Day 50: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Barenboim)

This evening, as Season 1 Episode 10 of Grimm plays in the background, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108), interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Bruckner’s Eighth at Carnegie Hall on January 28th … [Read more…]

Day 49: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Barenboim)

A new cycle of Bruckner symphonies begins today! This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108), interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Bruckner’s Eighth at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of this year. … [Read more…]

Day 43: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Celibidache)

My “office” this morning is my favorite book store for a killer coffee and scone and some research time and conversation. This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) interpreted by the Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache (1912-1996). According to one web site, his name is pronounced: SER-zhoo … [Read more…]

Day 39: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Klemperer)

My “office” this morning is Baker Book House where I am enjoying a delicious blueberry-lemon scone, a cup of Nicaragua coffee, and the peace that comes from spending time in a massive book store early in the morning. As I’m sipping and munching, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major … [Read more…]

Day 36: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Furtwangler)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) interpreted by the legendary German conductor and composer Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954). His orchestra is equally legendary, the Berliner Philharmoniker or – as it’s more commonly known – the Berlin Philharmonic. I’m not going to repeat the background on Maestro … [Read more…]

Day 35: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Celibidache)

I’m still sick as a dog. I’m listening to the symphonies, yes. But typing up each blog is a colossal pain in the hoo-hah because my head hurts, my eyes are watering, and I can’t breathe. (Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln. What did you think of the play?) It’s a good thing I’m doing this … [Read more…]

Day 33: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Barenboim)

Today starts a brand new cycle in my Bruckner journey! This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Bruckner’s Eighth at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of … [Read more…]

Day 28: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Furtwangler)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (WAB 105), nicknamed “Pizzicato Symphony” or “Tragic,” interpreted by the legendary German conductor and composer Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954). His orchestra is equally legendary, the Berliner Philharmoniker or – as it’s more commonly known – the Berlin Philharmonic. From the entry … [Read more…]

Day 19: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Celibidache)

My “office” this morning is another favorite local restaurant: Mr. Burger. The food isn’t fancy. It’s just well made, delicious, and hearty. It’s the people that make it worth visiting. Mr. Burger is like the TV show Cheers. Everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. It’s the ideal spot for… This morning, … [Read more…]