Today, while I munch on a plate of cheese, crackers, ham, summer sausage, and olives and sip a rather nice organic Sauvignon Blanc, I listen to Brahms’ String Quartet No. 3 as performed by the Tokyo String Quartet. This is so meta. What I’m snacking on seems to go with this music like cheese goes … [Read more…]
Today is Easter Sunday. It’s a big day for Christians worldwide. In fact, the biggest. This is year is different, though. We couldn’t go to church in person. (Thanks a lot, COVID-19.) So everyone tuned in on the Internet. Wasn’t the same, of course. But it was nice enough. Before service time, however, I settled … [Read more…]
Today, I listen to CD 15 – Clarinet Trio in A minor (recorded 1997) and Clarinet Quintet in B minor (recorded 1996). Both were composed in 1891. Brahms was 58. I really wanted to like this, too. Alas. The clarinet is delightful instrument. Ditto for the cello. And who can’t enjoy the piano, violins, and … [Read more…]
There’s a lot going on in Michigan. Our governor has extended her stay-at-home order until the end of April. And closed more businesses she deems “non-essential.” Yeah, like any business that pays taxes, provides healthcare, pays salaries and wages, and allows its owners to stay afloat is non-essential. Maybe to a politicians. But not to … [Read more…]
Today’s offering is quite tasty, indeed. But it’s not something I’d listen to actively. It makes for great background (which is what I used it for today). But it’s not clever enough to get my motor running. Don’t get me wrong. It’s pretty. It’s creative. But it doesn’t move me. And that’s the key. A … [Read more…]
Today, I’m listening to Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat. The pianist is Cécile Ousset. The conductor is Kurt Masur. The orchestra is Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. Jurnkakob Timm (no web site or Wiki page) plays cello. If you ask me, that’s a dream line up. And a half. Cecile Ouset, alone, is worth the … [Read more…]
This morning, I’m listening to Daniel Barenboim – who’s known more for conducting these days than for his piano virtuosity – perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor. The conductor is Sir John Barbirolli (1899-1970). The orchestra is the New Philharmonia Orchestra. I probably listened to this CD 7-8 times today as I … [Read more…]
This morning, I’m listening to an older recording (perhaps 1962, if the year on the back of the CD sleeve refers to when this was recorded). The conductor is Heinz Bongartz (1894-1978). The orchestra is Dresdner Philharmonie (1870 – ). The musical work is Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 in D, Op. 11. It was composed … [Read more…]
Now for part two of today’s symphony double-header. Again, I find myself listening to conductor Jaap van Zweden and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. This time, it’s Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 to which I’m listening. I can tell you right off the bat that the first movement is ridiculously good. It’s … [Read more…]
This morning’s CD is a double-header: Symphony No. 3 in F and Symphony No. 4 in E minor are both on one CD, which means I have to listen to both today or else my count is wrong; it would take more than 58 days to get through the Brahms’ Complete box set. I’m not … [Read more…]