Day 35: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Celibidache)

I’m still sick as a dog. I’m listening to the symphonies, yes. But typing up each blog is a colossal pain in the hoo-hah because my head hurts, my eyes are watering, and I can’t breathe. (Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln. What did you think of the play?) It’s a good thing I’m doing this … [Read more…]

Day 33: Symphony No. 6 in A Major (Barenboim)

Today starts a brand new cycle in my Bruckner journey! This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major (WAB 106) interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Bruckner’s Eighth at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of … [Read more…]

Day 30: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Janowski)

My “office” for me and my ninja this morning is a local Starbucks. Their Blonde Roast coffee with a slice of lemon loaf is just what the doctor ordered, the perfect taste treat for… This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (WAB 105), nicknamed “Pizzicato Symphony” or … [Read more…]

Day 25: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (Barenboim)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B Flat Major (WAB 105), nicknamed “Pizzicato Symphony” or “Tragic,” interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin in a performance of Bruckner’s Eighth at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of this year. NOTE: I … [Read more…]

Day 22: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Janowski)

This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Maestro Janowski’s orchestra is Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. The following bears repeating since it plays a role in the experience of listening to this morning’s symphony: the … [Read more…]

Day 17: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning is not one I can even show you. It’s a Big Apple Bagel store so packed full of people that I couldn’t take a picture now without a release form signed by all of them. (Especially this grandfatherly type guy playing kootchie-koo with a tiny baby seated on the table facing … [Read more…]

Day 1: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Barenboim)

Today, while a very rare February thunderstorm drenches our fair city, I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” interpreted by Argentine-born pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942-), whom I saw conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin at Carnegie Hall on January 28th of this year. The symphony … [Read more…]