Just for something different, I decided to start my blog this evening with Andria Hoy, archivist for the Cleveland Orchestra, telling us about George Szell. I have no idea why. But it’s likely because I love complete box sets of a conductor’s or composer’s works. Plus, Andria recommended two Beethoven performances with Leon Fleisher that … [Read more…]
My listening post today is the same as it was yesterday. Same lake view. Same gray skies. Same cat tower, only – this time – sans chat. There’s one major difference: The conductor and the orchestra. Today, I find myself listening to French-American conductor Pierre Monteux (1875-1964), the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. … [Read more…]
It’s a chilly, gray morning here in West Michigan. The trees are still in full color change. Quite vibrant. But the skies are gray and we’ve had a lot of rain lately. That, plus the fact that darkness pushes in on both sides of the day (it’s still dark at 8:15am and it gets dark … [Read more…]
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…]
My office this morning is the same place it was yesterday morning: the Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named, eating an Asiago bagel (toasted twice with plain creme cheese), a Light Roast coffee, and watching the people come and go. And stay. Especially the ones who stay. Some wear business suits or high heels, some wear sweat shirts and sweat … [Read more…]
My listening post today is my home office, a bottle of Smart Water to my right and a half-eaten bag of Ghost Pepper Potato Chips from Trader Joe’s to my left. In the background, turned down low as if I’m in a restaurant for breakfast, is R.E.O. Speedwagon’s first album, simply titled R.E.O. Fantastic guitar-driven … [Read more…]
My listening post this evening is in my recliner in front of the TV, with the classic movie The Dirty Dozen playing in the background. In the foreground is French conductor Pierre Monteux (1875-1964), the Boston Symphony, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, I can assure you. In my … [Read more…]
My office today is the balcony, sans flowers and pots, I not only have a great view, but a very find lunch to boot: a ginger-turmeric kombucha, a turkey wrap sandwich, and a Jonagold apple that we picked ourselves a week or so ago. Classical music and a delicious lunch. What could be better? Not … [Read more…]
This morning, I am listening to German conductor Eugen Jochum (1902-1987), the London Symphony Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor. I have encountered Maestro Jochum four times previous to this morning, on… Day 9. Rating: “Huzzah!” Day 27. Rating: Not quite Meh, but not Huzzah! either Day 45. Rating: “Huzzah!” Day 63. … [Read more…]
My listening perch tonight is in my recliner in the living room, with Disney’s Moana in the background, as I recover from a temperature of 101 last night that included plenty of aches and pains. I have no idea what I had, or if I still have it. But I do know I barely slept … [Read more…]