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 38: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Janowski)

My “office” this morning is the second floor of the Panera Bread restaurant, the obligatory wife sleeping in the chair nearby. As she snores, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106), interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Maestro Janowski’s orchestra is Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. … [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 25: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Barenboim)

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 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. NOTE: I … [Read more…]

Day 23: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Klemperer)

My office today is a return to my favorite library and this view of the rolling hills behind it. I love this place. This afternoon, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by German-born conductor and composer Otto Klemperer (1885-1973). Prior to this Bruckner … [Read more…]

Day 22: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Janowski)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Maestro Janowski’s orchestra is Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. The following bears repeating since it plays a role in the experience of listening to this morning’s symphony: the … [Read more…]

Day 18: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning was a doctor’s office. Two of them, actually. So I don’t really have any pictures to show – other than the one I took of my ninja on the patient table. Ninja? You mean you haven’t heard the ninja story? It’s a fun one. I’ll share it sometime. In a nutshell, … [Read more…]

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 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…]