A new cycle of Bruckner symphonies begins today! This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C Minor (WAB 108), 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. … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning is Baker Book House, which can be an extraordinary distraction for me. At any point as I sit here listening, I can jump up and go in search of a book in Baker’s immense Used Book section. For a book nut like myself, that’s an ever-present temptation (and a very real … [Read more…]
This morning, I am listening to Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (WAB 104), nicknamed “Romantic,” interpreted by Israeli conductor Eliahu Inbal (1936-). I heard Maestro Inbal on three previous days: On Day 14, Symphony No. 3. And on Day 8, Symphony No. 2. And again on Day 3, Symphony No. 1 … [Read more…]
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…]
My “office” this morning is, once again, Baker Book House – where the books are plentiful, the staff is exceptional, and the coffee and home-made scones are mouth-watering. I could live here. And almost have over the past couple of years. If you live in the Midwest, you owe it to yourself to visit this … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning: Red Hot Inn, a little after 6am. I’m the only person in the restaurant at this hour. I like it that way. Red Hot Inn is a local institution. They’re known for their chili dogs. But their breakfasts are quite delicious – and reasonably priced, too. For the record, I had … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning – Bagel Beanery, a local coffee shop and, well, bagel eatery. Bagel Beanery is like Panera Bread Co. in that I can sit for hours using their Wi-Fi sipping coffee and eating an occasional bagel. It’s much smaller than Panera, though. So people watching is less enjoyable because there are fewer … [Read more…]