I saw Daniel Barenboim conduct Staatskapelle Berlin’s performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 last night at Carnegie Hall. It was an unforgettable experience. I loved every second of it. Anyway, on with the show today… This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108) (nicknamed “The Apocalyptic,” although I don’t … [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 German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most highly respected interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music who ever lived. I have two CD box sets featuring Maestro Jochum – this one, on … [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 German-born Michael Gielen (1927-). The orchestra is SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Frieburg. I first encountered Maestro Gielen on Day 4 of my 144-day project. On that day, he interpreted Symphony No. 1. … [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…]
My listening space this morning – back at the grocery store. I love getting here before anyone else does and watching the sun rise. Makes me feel all productive and sly. This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is American Lorin Maazel (1930-2014). I first encountered Maestro Maazel … [Read more…]
Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is German-born Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), unarguably one of the most highly respected interpreters of Anton Bruckner’s music who ever lived. I own two CD box sets with performances conducted by Jochum – this one, on the Warner Classics label (I call it the “Green Box”), and another … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major (WAB 107) is Soviet-born Israeli Yuri Ahronovitch (1932-2002). The orchestra is Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne. I’ve been listening to Bruckner’s symphonies for nearly 100 days (that’s over three months in people years), and this is the first time those names have come up. Also, … [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…]
My “office” this morning is Big Apple Bagels. At this hour, no one else is here – which suits me just fine. It’s just me, my wife, and the Smooth Jazz that often plays in establishments trying hard to be cultured. Me? I have no need of culture. I have Anton Bruckner, as rendered by … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning. Back to the loft at a local Panera Bread Co. Now I know why my cat likes high places. I like the view from here. Been doing a lot of pondering lately. Mortality. Especially the passing of iconic actress Debbie Reynolds one day after the passing of her famous daughter, Carrie. … [Read more…]