Day 146: Symphony No. 9 in D minor (Barenboim)

My listening post today is a local Barnes & Noble bookstore. For being 2pm, this place is surprisingly busy. We have a couple of hours before we go next door to the theater to watch the documentary Maria By Callas, a documentary about (arguably) the most famous female opera singer of the past 100 years. … [Read more…]

Day 92: Symphony No. 6 in F major (Barenboim)

I’m back in my happy place – the second floor of our local library, overlooking the wide field out back. Today, in addition to the rain and hail slapping against windows and roof, I am listening to Argentine conductor Daniel Barenboim, Staatskapelle Berlin, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major. This is a wonderful … [Read more…]

Day 56: Symphony No. 4 in B flat Major (Barenboim)

I think I’m addicted to Mexican chicken omelettes (with plenty of hot sauce) from New Beginnings restaurant. Or, maybe, I simply like restaurants where I can just sit, without being bothered too much, and have endless cups of coffee poured for me while I work. Some restaurants in town are unsuitable for that – for … [Read more…]

Day 38: Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major (Barenboim)

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…]

Day 20: Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Barenboim)

Okay. I’ll be honest. I have a soft spot in my heart for Argentine conductor Daniel Barenboim (1942- ). And Staatskapelle_Berlin. My wife and I saw both and in person at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, January 28, 2017. The performance was Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8. It was a night we’ll never forget. Anyway, I … [Read more…]

Day 2: Symphony No. 1 in C Major (Barenboim)

It’s been awhile (May 5, 2017) since my last musical adventure, so I’m not surprised that I totally forgot about my appointment with Ludwig this morning as my wife and I headed toward the car for Sunday donuts at Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, Michigan. Half-way down the steps, I stopped short, “Shoot!” I said … [Read more…]