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 75: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Paternostro)

My “office” this morning (at least for the first 2-3 hours of the day) is, once again, Baker Book House – the largest bookstore in the Midwest, server of delicious coffee, maker of scones so delectable you’d swear they were not scones at all; rather, French pastry, and keeper of hours from 7am to 11pm, … [Read more…]

Day 69: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Haitink)

Ladies and gents, this is what my wife and I encountered this morning at 6am when we pulled into the parking lot of a local restaurant to sit, sip some coffee, and listen to Haitink’s interpretation of Bruckner’s Fifth. Welcome to Hell – I mean, Michigan – in early December. This morning’s conductor of Anton … [Read more…]

Day 66: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Chailly)

Just wanted to let everyone know about a very cool Facebook group devoted to Anton Bruckner, which you can find here. It’s a robust group, with many active members, people who are passionate about the group’s namesake, as well as music in general. Check them out. Now, on to our regularly scheduled program… This morning’s … [Read more…]

Day 63: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Tintner)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is Georg Tintner (1917-1999), the Austrian-born composer/conductor with whom I was already familiar prior to starting my 144-day exploration of Bruckner’s music. For one thing, I own a couple of recordings conducted by Tintner. Plus, … [Read more…]

Day 56: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Karajan)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is another heavy hitter in the world of conductors – Austrian Herbert Von Karajan (1908-1989). If Karajan was one of Tolkien’s rings in his The Lord of the Rings novels, he’d be the One to … [Read more…]

Day 54: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Jochum)

Got a booth in the cafeteria of a local grocery store (okay, it’s D&W), spread out my usual accoutrements, and now I’m ready to rock! This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most … [Read more…]

Day 53: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Haitink)

First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all who celebrate this North American holiday. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink (1929-). The orchestra is Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. I encountered Bernard Haitink thrice before in my 144-day project. … [Read more…]

Day 32: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Wand)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s “Symphony of Pauses” (Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, WAB 102) is German-born Gunter Wand (1912-2002). I first encountered Mr. Wand on Day 16. To say I wasn’t kind in my assessment of his interpretation of Bruckner’s First Symphony is a wee bit of an understatement. I’m hoping today’s … [Read more…]