Glenn Gould

Date of Birth: September 25, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: October 4, 1982

Biography

Glenn Herbert Gould was a Canadian classical pianist, renowned for his distinctive playing style and exceptional interpretative skills, particularly in his performances of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Gould’s prodigious talent became evident at an early age. He began studying piano with his mother and later with prominent teachers such as Alberto Guerrero. Gould’s international acclaim skyrocketed following his 1955 recording of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,” a landmark recording that remains highly influential. His career was marked by his eccentricities, including his unique posture at the piano, eschewing live performances in favor of studio recordings, and his reclusive lifestyle. Gould retired from concert performances at the age of 31 and devoted himself entirely to recording, writing, and broadcasting. He was also known for his philosophical writings on music and his innovative use of recording technology.

5 Interesting Facts about Glenn Gould

1. Glenn Gould was known for humming while he played, a habit that was often picked up in his recordings.

2. He was a perfectionist and would often spend hours refining a single passage of music during recording sessions.

3. Gould was a hypochondriac and took numerous medications for various ailments, real or imagined.

4. He had a deep love for animals, particularly dogs, and often featured them in his radio documentaries.

5. Despite his preference for solitude, Gould was a prolific letter writer and maintained correspondence with many prominent figures in the music world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Glenn Gould

1. “The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but is, rather, the gradual lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.”

2. “I detest audiences.”

3. “The trouble begins when we start to be so impressed by the technology that we forget the human equation.”

4. “The justification of art is the internal combustion it ignites in the hearts of men, and not its shallow, externalized, public manifestations.”

5. “One does not play the piano with one’s fingers, one plays the piano with one’s mind.”