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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (WAB 103), nicknamed “Wagner,” is German-born Kurt Sanderling (1912-2011), another person about whom I knew nothing and of whom I had never heard until I started this project. This is the first time I’ve listened Conductor Sanderling. So there is no frame of … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (WAB 102) is Kurt Masur (1927-2015), another person about whom I knew nothing and of whom I had never heard until I started this project. He was born in Germany and died just last year at the age of 88 in Greenwich, Connecticut, … [Read more…]
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…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101) is Gerd Schaller (1965-), a German conductor highly regarded for recording Bruckner’s works, especially Bruckner’s rarer, less recorded compositions. The orchestra is Philharmonie Festiva, which is also of high distinction, according to its entry on Wikipedia: The international fame of the … [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…]