Day 151: Symphony No. 9 in D minor (Furtwangler)

My listening post this morning is with a cup of coffee from Bagel Beanery to my left, just above a gingerbread cookie (which my wife bakes to perfection and is known far and wide for her skill), a twinkling Christmas tree before me, and a copy of John Ardoin’s indispensable book The Furtwangler Record to … [Read more…]

Day 115: Symphony No. 7 in A major (Furtwangler)

This morning, my listening post has actually been three places – this, a local bagel shop, then a local car dealership to swap my snow tires with my regular tires, and now…my actual office. Yes, I’ve had a hectic morning. And that’s okay. Because, in each place, I listened to German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954), … [Read more…]

Day 97: Symphony No. 6 in F major (Furtwangler)

My office this morning is inside (because it’s only 43 degrees) looking out. Our cat’s new “cat tower” nearly fills the screen. He loves the middle rung because it gives him a way to look down on the balcony and all the creatures that visit from time to time. While I figure out what to … [Read more…]

Day 79: Symphony No. 5 in C minor (Furtwangler)

My listening post this morning is the same as it was last night: my recliner. Only this time, the movie on in the background (that I can’t hear because I’m listening to German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954), the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor) is The Exorcist. Take that, wife! … [Read more…]