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…]
My office this morning while I blog is New Beginnings restaurant. My breakfast is a Mexican chicken all white meat omelette with jalapenos inside and enough Frank’s RedHot and Tabasco sauce on top to make my eyes water. Yummy. I first encountered Pierre Monteux (1875-1964) – and I do mean the first; I didn’t run … [Read more…]
My office this morning is a table in the back of Bagel Beanery, the purveyor of the largest, tastiest bagels in Grand Rapids (for whatever that’s worth). So, as I sip my Breakfast Blend coffee, and munch on my Dill Havarti bagel (toasted with plain cream cheese), I listen to German conductor Franz Konwitschny (1901-1962) … [Read more…]
In this Beethoven project, I first encountered German conductor Otto Klemperer (1885-1973) on Day 12. If you want to know some of Klemperer’s background (including his famous actor son), let your mouse do the walking over to that entry. This morning, I’m listening to him conduct Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major. How does … [Read more…]
I enjoy listening to Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) back to back like this, especially comparing his two most prized Beethoven cycles: 1963 and 1977. Although a reader’s poll on the Talk Classical site, indicates most of those who responded preferred Karajan’s 1963 cycle by a margin of more than two to one, I … [Read more…]
This morning’s conductor of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major is the legendary Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989). His orchestra is the legendary Berliner Philharmoniker. The record label is equally as legendary: Deutsche Grammophon, with its famous yellow logo. And, legendary upon legendary upon legendary, the recording comes from Karajan’s famed 1963 Beethoven cycle. So … [Read more…]
My “office” this morning is a D&W grocery store with a Starbucks inside. I’m in the dining area. A Coke machine taunts me, albeit in vain, from the opposite wall. I don’t drink soda (or pop as we call it) all that often. When I do, it doesn’t come from a machine in a grocery … [Read more…]