That’s awesome! Tell me, what do you think of his Mozart piano sonatas? I’ve always been curious but stayed away due to the lacklustre reviews. It was well known that Gould hated Mozart and many critics thought it came through in the music.
Coincidentally, due to this thread I re-watched 32 Short Films about Glenn Gould last night and loved it just as much as when I saw it in the theatre. It’s filled with fascinating biographical snippets and lots of great music but don’t expect a traditional biography. Rather, it’s just what the title says: 32 short clips (mirroring the structure of “The Goldberg Variations”) that cover various aspects of Gould’s life and music. It’s wonderful overview for both new and old fans.
I know you weren’t asking me, but I’m not a fan of Gould’s Mozart recordings. From everything I’ve read about (and by) Gould, it’s true that he didn’t especially like Mozart’s music, or at least not his piano music, and it shows in his (Gould’s) playing. Gould is at his best with counterpoint.
My favorite performer of Mozart’s piano sonatas is the incomparable Mitsuko Uchida.
Mikhail Pletnev’s “Domenico Scarlatti - Keyboard Sonatas” cd is a modern marvel. Purists might have preferred these on harpsichord, but they shine amazingly when performed on the piano. Such depth, such beauty and wonderfully interpreted!
Purists like that can suck eggs, as far as I’m concerned. I want to hear a beautiful, intelligent and musical performance. If that’s on a period instrument, great! If that’s on a piano, great!
Don’t make me listen to a crappy performance just because it’s on a period instrument!
