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 7: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning: Red Hot Inn, a little after 6am. I’m the only person in the restaurant at this hour. I like it that way. Red Hot Inn is a local institution. They’re known for their chili dogs. But their breakfasts are quite delicious – and reasonably priced, too. For the record, I had … [Read more…]

Day 6: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning – Bagel Beanery, a local coffee shop and, well, bagel eatery. Bagel Beanery is like Panera Bread Co. in that I can sit for hours using their Wi-Fi sipping coffee and eating an occasional bagel. It’s much smaller than Panera, though. So people watching is less enjoyable because there are fewer … [Read more…]

Day 2: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Barenboim)

This morning, as the snow flies in Grand Rapids (remember, we had a thunderstorm yesterday), I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-). I saw Maestro Barenboim conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin at Carnegie Hall on January 28th … [Read more…]

Day 1: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Barenboim)

Today, while a very rare February thunderstorm drenches our fair city, I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” 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. The symphony … [Read more…]