Day 158: Symphony No. 9 in D minor (Monteux)

My listening post this morning, Christmas morning, is in front of the tree (now laden with presents to be unwrapped later today), with our cat sitting, ludicrously, in the middle of the floor, and the 1947 holiday movie The Bishop’s Wife on in the background. The Bishop’s Wife is a classic through and through. It … [Read more…]

Day 104: Symphony No. 6 in F major (Monteux)

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…]

Day 86: Symphony No. 5 in C minor (Monteux)

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…]

Day 32: Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Monteux)

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…]