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…]

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 4: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Janowski)

This morning, I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Janowski is another conductor about whom I knew nothing until readers of my 144 Days With Bruckner and Me web site told me I should consider listening to … [Read more…]

Day 3: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Inbal)

This morning, I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” interpreted by Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal (1936-). I had never heard of Maestro Inbal, which is a lot of fun for me because that means I get to research him. His entry on Wikipedia tells me … [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…]