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…]
The last day of listening to Bruckner’s Seventh! Tomorrow starts a new chapter… …and the countdown to me seeing Daniel Barenboim at Carnegie Hall next weekend. But, for now, this morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is German-born Gunter Wand (1912-2002). The orchestra is Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester. Back when … [Read more…]
Today is the last time I’ll listen to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major – at least, for the time being. Tomorrow, I start back at the beginning of my Bruckner cycle…with Daniel Barenboim – only this time with Symphony No. 7. But that’s tomorrow. Today is German-born Gunter Wand (1912-2002). The orchestra … [Read more…]
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…]
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 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 … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (WAB 103), nicknamed “Wagner,” is Austrian Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989), one of the most highly respected conductors – and interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music – who ever lived. I encountered Herbert von Karajan twice before in this 144-day musical journey: On Day 8 … [Read more…]
This morning begins a new chapter. Today, I start the next 16-day leg of my 144-day journey – this time, listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (WAB 103), nicknamed “Wagner,” from the perspective of 15 different conductors (Eugen Jochum conducts each symphony twice; in two different box sets). This morning’s conductor of … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s “Symphony of Pauses” (Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, WAB 102) is, once again, Eugen Jochum (1902-1987). I first encountered Mr. Jochum on Day 6 of my 144-day journey. I first listened to his conducting of the Staatskapelle Dresden orchestra (which is what I’m hearing right now) on Day … [Read more…]
This morning starts 144 consecutive days of exploring the symphonic works of Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). It’s 144 days because there are nine symphonies and 16 box sets (9×16=144), representing some 14-17 different conductors who recorded Bruckner over the last 50-60 years in venues around the world. I decided to listen to the symphonies … [Read more…]