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…]
My listening post this morning is the Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named where two tables tables of self-important guys chat with unusually loud voices such that I can hear literally from across the room. But that’s okay. In my ears is Italian conductor Claudio Abbado (1933-2014), Berliner Philharmoniker, and the last symphony of my 162-day Beethoven project – Beethoven’s … [Read more…]
My listening post this morning is my office, with the trustworthy robot from Lost in Space keeping me company. Also keeping me company are German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954), the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra (now known as the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F major. I’ve encountered Maestro Furtwangler seven times … [Read more…]
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…]
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 Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named for coffee and a bagel. And, of course, a helping of Hungarian-born American conductor and composer George Szell (1897-1970), the Cleveland Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor. Hot dog! Do I have a couple of hours lined up for myself, or what? I have to … [Read more…]
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…]
This morning I am listening to Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954), the Wiener Philharmoniker, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B flat Major. Even if his conducting wasn’t legendary, I’d likely be a fan of Maestro Furtwangler just because it’s fun to say his name: “Furtwangler.” See? I’m smiling right now as I say it. I have … [Read more…]
Today, I have the legendary German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler on tap. Speaking of which, my office this morning would have been outside on the deck surrounded by lovely flowers in pots and a nice view of the turtles, fish, herons, and ducks on the lake. As it is, my office while I listen to Beethoven’s … [Read more…]
Two years ago (2016-2017), I experienced a musical exploration of Bruckner’s nine primary symphonies from the perspective of some two dozen conductors. Somewhere along the way (probably when I got to the “F” letter of the alphabet), I discovered Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954). I was immediately taken with the historic nature of the recordings and wanted … [Read more…]