Day 13: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Celibidache)

My “office’ this morning is home. I’ve positioned my desk to face out on the small lake behind our place. It’s a blustery March day, which signals a change in the weather. In this case, the temperature is dropping. But it’s a pretty view nonetheless. This morning, I’m listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in … [Read more…]

Day 12: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Barenboim)

My “office” this morning is the second floor of the Kentwood Library. This is one of my favorite spots in the whole world for working. The tables are perfectly positioned so that their height is just right to avoid strain on the neck and shoulders. They’re wide. And they overlook the view of a field … [Read more…]

Day 6: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Barenboim)

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…]

Day 4: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Janowski)

This morning, I am listening to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (WAB 101), nicknamed “The Saucy Maid,” interpreted by Polish-born German conductor Marek Janowski (1939-). Janowski is another conductor about whom I knew nothing until readers of my 144 Days With Bruckner and Me web site told me I should consider listening to … [Read more…]

Day 2: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor (Barenboim)

This morning, as the snow flies in Grand Rapids (remember, we had a thunderstorm yesterday), 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-). I saw Maestro Barenboim conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin at Carnegie Hall on January 28th … [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…]