Day 97: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Barenboim)

This morning, I begin a new cycle of Bruckner conductors (it’s about time!) all of of whom will show me what they’ve got as they interpret Bruckner’s Seventh. Because this is the start of a new cycle, I thought I’d see a familiar locale in a new way. This is the upper level of a … [Read more…]

Day 94: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Solti)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) is Hungarian-born Sir Georg Solti (1912-1997), an artist with a long and noteworthy career. I first heard Sir Georg Solti on Day 14 of my 144-day journey, Symphony No. 1. Then again on Day 30, Symphony No. 2. And again Day … [Read more…]

Day 92: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Rogner)

Today is my wife’s birthday. So, here we sit. I’m listening to Bruckner’s Sixth. She’s trying her best to remain positive by saying, “I really do like the person you are, Soulmate.” Sure you do. 🙂 This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) is Heinz Rogner (1929-2001), who … [Read more…]

Day 88: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Karajan)

My “office” this morning. Back to the loft at a local Panera Bread Co. Now I know why my cat likes high places. I like the view from here. Been doing a lot of pondering lately. Mortality. Especially the passing of iconic actress Debbie Reynolds one day after the passing of her famous daughter, Carrie. … [Read more…]

Day 86: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Jochum)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) is German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most highly respected interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music who ever lived. I have two CD box sets conducted by Jochum – this one, on the DG label (I called the “White Box”), … [Read more…]

Day 81: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Barenboim)

Today starts a new leg in my 144-day journey. And not a moment too soon. I was so done with Symphony 5…and so really looking forward to starting No. 6. And so I am. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) is Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim … [Read more…]

Day 79: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Tintner)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major (WAB 105) – nicknamed “Tragic,” “Church of Faith,” or “Pizzicato” symphony (for reasons I’m still discovering) – is Georg Tintner (1917-1999), the Austrian-born composer/conductor with whom I was already familiar (and dare I say fond?) prior to starting my 144-day exploration of Bruckner’s … [Read more…]

Day 77: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Skrowaczewski)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major (WAB 105) – nicknamed “Tragic,” “Church of Faith,” or “Pizzicato” symphony (for reasons I’m still discovering) – is Stanislaw Skrowaczewski (1923-), the famed Polish-born artist who even has a web site with a cool name: Seeking The Infinite, which is also the title … [Read more…]

Day 76: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Rogner)

My “office” this morning is home with Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 1, Episode 1 (“Encounter to Farpoint“) on in the background. For the record, I think Next Gen is one of the most heavy-handed, over-acted of the Star Trek franchises. It’s enjoyable viewing, at times. But it’s cringe-worthy, too. Commander Riker is a … [Read more…]

Day 72: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Karajan)

My “office” first thing this morning – the restaurant near my actual office. Sometimes, I really enjoy just being out and about, having coffee (or, as is the case this morning, Greek Gods yogurt – Black Cherry flavor – and Smart Water), watching people, listening to Bruckner, and typing these words. My favorite thing to … [Read more…]