Day 116: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Gielen)

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 German-born Michael Gielen (1927-). The orchestra is SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Frieburg. I first encountered Maestro Gielen on Day 4 of my 144-day project. On that day, he interpreted Symphony No. 1. … [Read more…]

Day 114: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (Chailly)

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 Italian Riccardo Chailly (1953-). The orchestra is the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. I had never heard of Riccardo Chailly before this 144-day project. The first time I listened to Maestro Chailly was on … [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 111: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Tintner)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) 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. Tinter’s orchestra is the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. I first encountered Georg Tintner (in this project) on Day 15, … [Read more…]

Day 110: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Solti)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is Hungarian-born Sir Georg Solti (1912-1997), an artist with a long and noteworthy career. His orchestra for this box set is equally revered: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. On a side note, I used to work with a guy who was nuts … [Read more…]

Day 109: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Skrowaczewski)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) 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 of a very fine biography about him. You can find the bio here. I first … [Read more…]

Day 108: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Rogner)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is Heinz Rogner (1929-2001), who was born in Leipzig, Germany. Maestro Rogner is part of a box set that bears his name in large letters called Bruckner: Complete Symphonies, which you can buy from Amazon here. However, even though I’m up … [Read more…]

Day 105: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Maazel)

My listening space this morning – back at the grocery store. I love getting here before anyone else does and watching the sun rise. Makes me feel all productive and sly. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is American Lorin Maazel (1930-2014). I first encountered Maestro Maazel … [Read more…]

Day 104: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Karajan)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is Austrian Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989), one of the most highly respected conductors – and interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music – who ever lived. In fact, I compared Maestro Karajan to Tolkien’s fantasy novel Lord of the Rings on Day 56 … [Read more…]

Day 103: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (Jochum)

Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most highly respected interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music who ever lived. I own two CD box sets with performances conducted by Jochum – this one, on the Warner Classics label (I call it the “Green Box”), and another … [Read more…]