A New Chapter Begins Today: 63 More Days!

If you’re reading this (whoever “you” are), you can follow me on the next leg of my journey through nine of Anton Bruckner’s major symphonies on 63 More Days With Bruckner And Me. Over there, I’m listening to Daniel Barenboim conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. It’s one of the … [Read more…]

Day 132: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Gielen)

My “office” this morning. Thanks to discussions today in the Anton Bruckner group on Facebook, I’ve changed my mind again about what I’m calling “Phase Two” of my Bruckner project. A Bruckner group member named Michael mentioned the late conductor Sergiu Celibdache and pointed out that even though Celibdache’s EMI box set was out of … [Read more…]

Day 129: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Barenboim)

This morning begins the final leg of my 144-day exploration of the nine major symphonies Bruckner wrote. However, on Day 145 I will do something I didn’t originally plan to do – go back to Symphony No. 1, with seven more conductors from seven additional CD box sets that I had omitted (intentionally or inadvertently) … [Read more…]

Day 120: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Karajan)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108), nicknamed “The Apocalyptic,” although I don’t know why, is Austrian Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989), one of the most highly respected conductors – and interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music – who ever lived. (By the way, the CD sleeve above, left, reads … [Read more…]

Day 119: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Jochum)

I saw Daniel Barenboim conduct Staatskapelle Berlin’s performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 last night at Carnegie Hall. It was an unforgettable experience. I loved every second of it. Anyway, on with the show today… This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108) (nicknamed “The Apocalyptic,” although I don’t … [Read more…]

Day 113: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Barenboim)

This morning, I begin a new 16-day cycle of Anton Bruckner symphonies and their conductors. Also, I begin the countdown to seeing today’s conductor (Daniel Barenboim) work his magic at Carnegie Hall, interpreting today’s symphony (Bruckner’s Eighth) before my very eyes. I’m stoked. But enough of my yakkin’. Let’s boogie. This morning’s conductor of Anton … [Read more…]

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

This morning starts a brand new symphony as well as the next 16-day leg of my 144-day journey through the symphonic works of Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). My listening space this morning is Baker Book House, one of the largest and greatest bookstores in the Midwest. Their hours are 7am to 11pm. Let that … [Read more…]

Day 49: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Barenboim)

This morning begins a new symphony, a return to the first conductor in my 16-day cycle, and a whole bunch of new stuff to learn and hear. So, with a cup of Eight O’clock Coffee by my side, and sleep crusties still in my eyes (it’s 6am, y’all), I begin listening to… Symphony No. 4 … [Read more…]