Day 62: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Solti)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is Hungarian-born Sir Georg Solti (1912-1997), an artist with a long and noteworthy career. I provided a lengthy bio of Sir Georg on Day 46 of my 144-day exploration. If you want to know about … [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…]

Day 17: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Barenboim)

This morning begins a new chapter. Today, I start the next 16-day leg of my journey – this time, listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (WAB 102) from the perspective of 15 different conductors (Eugen Jochum conducts each symphony twice; in two different box sets). This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Second … [Read more…]

Day 16: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Wand)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101) is German-born Gunter Wand (1912-2002), someone – thanks to reviews on Amazon and elsewhere – I’ve been eager to hear. From his entry on Wikipedia: Günter Wand (January 7, 1912, in Elberfeld, Germany – February 14, 2002, in Ulmiz near Bern, … [Read more…]

Day 8: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Karajan)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101) is Austrian Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989), one of the most highly respected conductors – and interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music – who ever lived. According to his entry on Wikipedia, [Karajan] was principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for 35 years. … [Read more…]