Day 26: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning is the cafeteria of the local grocery store. Not many people here at this hour. And that’s the way I like it. 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 Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel … [Read more…]

Day 25: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Barenboim)

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 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. NOTE: I … [Read more…]

Day 24: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Young)

My “office” this morning is one of the last Panera Bread Company restaurants I’ll bother to visit. It’s the only one that I’ve seen with an upstairs level, a second floor complete with fireplace and view overlooking the schlubs down below. This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat … [Read more…]

Day 23: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Klemperer)

My office today is a return to my favorite library and this view of the rolling hills behind it. I love this place. This afternoon, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by German-born conductor and composer Otto Klemperer (1885-1973). Prior to this Bruckner … [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…]

Day 21: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Inbal)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal (1936-). I heard Maestro Inbal on three previous days: On Day 14, Symphony No. 3. And on Day 8, Symphony No. 2. And again on Day 3, Symphony No. 1 … [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…]

Day 19: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Celibidache)

My “office” this morning is another favorite local restaurant: Mr. Burger. The food isn’t fancy. It’s just well made, delicious, and hearty. It’s the people that make it worth visiting. Mr. Burger is like the TV show Cheers. Everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. It’s the ideal spot for… This morning, … [Read more…]

Day 18: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning was a doctor’s office. Two of them, actually. So I don’t really have any pictures to show – other than the one I took of my ninja on the patient table. Ninja? You mean you haven’t heard the ninja story? It’s a fun one. I’ll share it sometime. In a nutshell, … [Read more…]