Day 17: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning is not one I can even show you. It’s a Big Apple Bagel store so packed full of people that I couldn’t take a picture now without a release form signed by all of them. (Especially this grandfatherly type guy playing kootchie-koo with a tiny baby seated on the table facing … [Read more…]

Day 16: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Young)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor WAB 103 (nicknamed “Wagner Symphony”), interpreted by Australian conductor Simone Young (1961-). Her orchestra is the Philharmoniker Hamburg. Last time, I wrote I wouldn’t provide the background info on Simone Young and her orchestra. So I won’t. But I will tell … [Read more…]

Day 15: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Janowski)

My “office” this morning is, once again, Baker Book House. I just can’t get enough of the cavernous section of Used Books, the delicious coffee and equally delectable store-made scones, the friendly staff, and the feeling of vibrancy here. This place is alive, boys and girls. It’s a great place for writing. Or musing. Or … [Read more…]

Day 14: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Inbal)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor WAB 103 (nicknamed “Wagner Symphony”), interpreted by Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal (1936-). Prior to Day 3 I had never heard of Maestro Inbal, which means I got to research him while I listened. I love doing that. His entry on Wikipedia … [Read more…]

Day 13: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Celibidache)

My “office’ this morning is home. I’ve positioned my desk to face out on the small lake behind our place. It’s a blustery March day, which signals a change in the weather. In this case, the temperature is dropping. But it’s a pretty view nonetheless. This morning, I’m listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in … [Read more…]

Day 12: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning is the second floor of the Kentwood Library. This is one of my favorite spots in the whole world for working. The tables are perfectly positioned so that their height is just right to avoid strain on the neck and shoulders. They’re wide. And they overlook the view of a field … [Read more…]

Day 11: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Barenboim)

Today, I start another cycle – this time Bruckner’s Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor WAB 103 (nicknamed “Wagner Symphony”), interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of this year. NOTE: I have two Barenboim CD box sets for … [Read more…]

Day 10: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Young)

My “office” this morning is a local Tim Horton’s, a Canadian restaurant chain that recently entered the market in West Michigan. Tim Horton’s coffee is tasty, I’ll give them that. Their donuts are passable. Their breakfast sammies are uniquely flavored. It’s their atmosphere that needs a bit of tweaking. Very small restaurants. Austere decor. Plus, … [Read more…]

Day 9: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Janowski)

My “office” this morning: Starbucks, the iconic coffee shop that’s as snooty and hipster as they come. My dutiful wife sits nearby, ostensibly to work. But she’s actually just farting around on her smart phone. Still, it’s nice to have someone with me for a change. This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony … [Read more…]

Day 8: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Inbal)

My “office” this morning is, once again, Baker Book House – where the books are plentiful, the staff is exceptional, and the coffee and home-made scones are mouth-watering. I could live here. And almost have over the past couple of years. If you live in the Midwest, you owe it to yourself to visit this … [Read more…]