Day 51: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Celibidache)

My “office” this morning is the library, one of my favorite places to be. When I was a kid, I loved the library and spent hours there, sitting on the floor beside stacks of books stretching as far as the eye could see, reading. Then, I’d check out a load of books that nearly dwarfed … [Read more…]

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 47: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Klemperer)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107), interpreted by German-born conductor and composer Otto Klemperer (1885-1973). Prior to this Bruckner project, I had never heard of Otto Klemperer – although I had heard of his son, actor Werner Klemperer, most famous for his portrayal of Col. … [Read more…]

Day 46: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Janowski)

This afternoon, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107), interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Maestro Janowski’s orchestra is Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. If you want to know what I thought of Maestro Janowski’s interpretations prior to this day, check out Day 4, Symphony No. … [Read more…]

Day 45: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Inbal)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) interpreted by Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal (1936-). I heard Maestro Inbal on six previous days: On Day 3, Symphony No. 1. And on Day 8, Symphony No. 2. And on Day 14, Symphony No. 3. And on Day 21, … [Read more…]

Day 44: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Furtwangler)

My “office” this morning is a favorite bagel place called Big Apple Bagels. I’m a sucker for bagels, especially to enjoy while I listen to music, sip coffee, and ponder the world. My musical selection this morning is Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) interpreted by the legendary German conductor and … [Read more…]

Day 41: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Barenboim)

A new cycle of Bruckner symphonies begins today! This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) 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 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 37: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Inbal)

My “office” today is the second floor of the local library. I love this place. But you already knew that. Give me a book store or library any day and I’m a very, very happy man. If I could, I’d live in a book store or library. Of course, some would say I already do … [Read more…]