Day 145: Symphony No. 9 in D minor (Abbado)

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…]

Day 127: Symphony No. 8 in F major (Abbado)

My listening post this morning is my home, so early in the morning the lights inside don’t seem to be able to pierce the darkness coming in from without. If it weren’t for the cup of coffee beside me (Trader Joe’s Light Roast), my eyelids would start to droop. (And, by that, I don’t mean … [Read more…]

Day 109: Symphony No. 7 in A major (Abbado)

Today, I’m back at the Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named – only this time I’m listening to Italian conductor Claudio Abbado (1933-2014), Berliner Philharmoniker, and a new musical selection, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major. This particular establishment is usually filled with breakfasters and talkers. Today is no exception. Also no exception is the average age of the … [Read more…]

Day 91: Symphony No. 6 in F major (Abbado)

My office this morning is the cafeteria in D&W. We have many food stores in town, including two major chains – D&W is one; Meijer is the other. D&W’s cafeteria is where I am this morning. Since it would be the height of douchebaggery to just sit here taking up space, I bought a Starbucks … [Read more…]

Day 73: Symphony No. 5 in C minor (Abbado)

This morning is a return to the top of the batting order with Claudio Abbado (1933-2014), the Berliner Philharominiker, and – this time – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor. In addition, today marks the return of me visiting the Restaurant-Chain-That-Must-Not-Be-Named. So, shhhh. Don’t tell anyone. Before I really get rocking and rolling, here’s … [Read more…]

Day 55: Symphony No. 4 in B flat Major (Abbado)

My office this morning is the one and only Chick-fil-A, a restaurant chain run so well, so politely, serving such delicious food that it ought to be a crime to not eat here. Today starts a whole new cycle of Beethoven’s symphonies for me, which means I’m back to the “A” in my conductor roster: … [Read more…]

Day 37: Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major (Abbado)

This morning, I return to the top of the batting order with Italian conductor Claudio Abbado (1933-2014). The orchestra is the Berliner Philharmoniker. The record label is the legendary 120-year-old Deutsche Grammophon. The only difference this time is I’m listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Opus 55 – also known as … [Read more…]

Day 19: Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Abbado)

This morning, Day 19 of my exploration of Beethoven’s symphonies, starts a new chapter: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, which was composed between 1801 and 1802. So here I sit at New Beginnings restaurant, listening to Beethoven’s composition while (or whilst if you’re British) I eat a Mexican chicken omelette complete with jalapenos and … [Read more…]

Day 1: Symphony No. 1 in C Major (Abbado)

This morning, I begin another of my insane year-long musical explorations. Unlike previous projects (see My Year-Long Project page), I know this one will be interrupted by at least two life events: knee-replacement surgery, and a trip to Australia. I have no idea how I’ll continue with this Beethoven project with those two things looming … [Read more…]