I first encountered French conductor Andre Cluytens (1905-1967) and Orchestre Philharmonique De Berlin on Day 6. And then again on Day 24. On Day 6, I proclaimed his performance “Huzzah!” worthy. On Day 24, I wrote that I wanted to poke out my ears with a pencil. So, what will Day 42 bring? I’ll know … [Read more…]
My office this morning, once again, overlooks the small lake behind our residence. It’s a bit chilly this morning (65 degrees Fahrenheit) under partly cloudy skies. So, unlike on previous mornings, I had to wear what I call a “shammy,” which is in this case an oversized, button-down flannel shirt I purchased from Cabela’s. Don’t … [Read more…]
I own a lot of box sets from Brilliant Classics: Brahms Complete, Chopin Complete Works, Beethoven Complete Edition, and Haydn Edition. At one time, I believe I owned the Bach Edition: Complete Works box, but I sold it to buy another Bach complete set that didn’t use period instruments. (I can only take just so … [Read more…]
I won’t lie. I think Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) is my favorite conductor of Beethoven’s symphonies. Whenever I listen to one of Bernstein’s performances, I’m filled with joy, awe, and reverence. I am caught up in his unbridled enthusiasm because I think the orchestra is, too. Even this, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, … [Read more…]
This morning, I’m at the Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named, having a Light Roast coffee, greeting friends as they come in and happen to see me, reading Facebook posts, and listening to Argentinian conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942- ) work his magic with Staatskapelle Berlin as they play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major. It’s been raining, thundering, … [Read more…]
This morning, I return to the top of the batting order with Italian conductor Claudio Abbado (1933-2014). The orchestra is the Berliner Philharmoniker. The record label is the legendary 120-year-old Deutsche Grammophon. The only difference this time is I’m listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Opus 55 – also known as … [Read more…]
The last time I encountered David Zinman was on (Day 18). If I recall correctly, I was less than enamored, awarding the performance a resounding “Meh!” In retrospect, I think that was because of so many firsts: First all-digital (DDD) recording, first time listening to a Urtext Edition, first time listening to a CD from … [Read more…]
I’m back at my “office” of New Beginnings restaurant and my Mexican chicken omelette with enough hot sauce to make my eyes water. To me, it’s the only way to enjoy food – if it stings and burns. This early in the morning, I need waking up like that. My listening fare today is Gunter … [Read more…]
Today’s performance of Beethoven’s Second is courtesy of George Szell (1897-1970) and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. It was recorded on Friday, October 2, 1964, in Severance Hall. (I know it was Friday, even though the liner small print on the back of the CD sleeve doesn’t provide that information, because I Googled it.) If you … [Read more…]
My office this morning is at a restaurant-chain-that-must-not-be-named, known for its signature Light Roast coffee (when the pot actually has some in it!). As soon as I finish this, I will pack up and go to the office where I’m working on a screenplay and a book project. For now, though, I watch people meet, … [Read more…]