My “office” this morning. It’s another cold and cloudy day in Grand Rapids. Our local weather reporter tells us it’s cloudier in Grand Rapids than it is in Seattle. Or, to put it another way, we sometimes go three weeks without seeing the sun. No wander we’re all pallid and depressed. Nothing that a little … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s unfinished Symphony No. 9 in D Minor WAB 109 (dedicated “to the beloved God”) is Italian Riccardo Chailly (1953-). The orchestra is the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. I first heard Maestro Chailly on October 4th, Day 2, Symphony No. 1. Then again on Day 18, Symphony No. 2. Then again … [Read more…]
ANNOUNCEMENT: I made a decision this morning whilst I sat, alone, in the darkened upper floor of the local Panera. I recently discovered seven more box sets of Bruckner’s symphonies. I don’t know why I wasn’t aware of them before I started this blog. But, because of my Bruckner project, readers brought them to my … [Read more…]
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…]
Two things I enjoy quite a bit: an empty restaurant early in the morning…combined with an empty space online awaiting my next blog entry. I’m a morning person. No doubt about it. I love getting up well before the sun and going out somewhere to begin my day. So here I sit listening to Bruckner, … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning. I command the entire upper deck at a local Panera Restaurant. But it’s 6:05am, so not many people are out and about. Especially to buy Panera food. But the setting is perfect for listening, reflecting, and re-filling my ceramic mug with Light Roast coffee. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony … [Read more…]
Ladies and gents, this is what my wife and I encountered this morning at 6am when we pulled into the parking lot of a local restaurant to sit, sip some coffee, and listen to Haitink’s interpretation of Bruckner’s Fifth. Welcome to Hell – I mean, Michigan – in early December. This morning’s conductor of Anton … [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…]
First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all who celebrate this North American holiday. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink (1929-). The orchestra is Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. I encountered Bernard Haitink thrice before in my 144-day project. … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), titled “Romantic” by Bruckner himself, is Italian Riccardo Chailly (1953-). The orchestra is Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. I had never heard of Chailly before I started this 144-day project. But that says more about me than it does about Chailly. I … [Read more…]