Day 134: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Jochum)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s unfinished Symphony No. 9 in D Minor WAB 109 (dedicated “to the beloved God”) is German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most highly respected interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music who ever lived. His orchestra for this performance is the Berliner Philharmoniker I have two CD box sets … [Read more…]

Day 133: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Haitink)

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…]

Day 131: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Wand)

This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s unfinished Symphony No. 9 in D Minor WAB 109 (dedicated “to the beloved God”) is German-born Gunter Wand (1912-2002). The orchestra is new to me, even though I’ve heard a lot of Wand and a lot of symphonies in the past 130 days: Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR. Back when … [Read more…]

Day 130: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Chailly)

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…]

Day 129: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Barenboim)

This morning begins the final leg of my 144-day exploration of the nine major symphonies Bruckner wrote. However, on Day 145 I will do something I didn’t originally plan to do – go back to Symphony No. 1, with seven more conductors from seven additional CD box sets that I had omitted (intentionally or inadvertently) … [Read more…]