Day 60: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Furtwangler)

My office this morning is Bagel Beanery. I’m a sucker for bagels, anyway. Plus, I like the coffee here. And the free wifi (does anyone charge for wifi any more?). I can sit here for four hours, if I want to, for the price of a bagel and coffee. I call that a bargain…best I … [Read more…]

Day 52: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Furtwangler)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108), interpreted by the legendary German conductor and composer Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954). This time, his orchestra is the Wiener Philharmoniker, also known as the Vienna Philharmonic. I’m not going to repeat the background on Maestro Furtwangler, although I do suggest … [Read more…]

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 20: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Furtwangler)

My “office” this morning is the second floor of the local library with a view that overlooks the field out back. This is my favorite place to write. The table height is perfect. The chairs are comfortable. The view is soothing. The environment is quiet, studious. It’s the ideal place for… This morning, I’m listening … [Read more…]