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 34: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Barenboim)

Today, I am sick as a dog. But I’m soldiering through, listening to Daniel Barenboim’s interpretation of Bruckner’s Sixth. Also, I’m at one of my favorite eateries, enjoying three of the best chili dogs ever to grace a plate. “Three with everything” is how you order them at Red Hot Inn. They arrive looking like … [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 31: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Klemperer)

This afternoon, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (WAB 105), nicknamed “Pizzicato Symphony” or “Tragic,” 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 … [Read more…]

Day 30: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Janowski)

My “office” for me and my ninja this morning is a local Starbucks. Their Blonde Roast coffee with a slice of lemon loaf is just what the doctor ordered, the perfect taste treat for… This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (WAB 105), nicknamed “Pizzicato Symphony” or … [Read more…]

Day 29: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Inbal)

My “office” this morning is back at the library, my favorite place to work. Not even an overcast day can dim my spirits for listening to Bruckner. 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 Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal … [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 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…]