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…]
My “office” this morning is the second floor of the Kentwood Library. This is one of my favorite spots in the whole world for working. The tables are perfectly positioned so that their height is just right to avoid strain on the neck and shoulders. They’re wide. And they overlook the view of a field … [Read more…]
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…]
My “office” this morning: Red Hot Inn, a little after 6am. I’m the only person in the restaurant at this hour. I like it that way. Red Hot Inn is a local institution. They’re known for their chili dogs. But their breakfasts are quite delicious – and reasonably priced, too. For the record, I had … [Read more…]
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…]