Glenn Gould (1932-1982)

pianist, writer, and broadcaster

Died aged 50

Glenn Herbert Gould (/ɡuːld/; né Gold; September 25, 1932 – October 4, 1982) was a Canadian classical pianist. He was one of the most famous and celebrated pianists of the 20th century, and was renowned as an interpreter of the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Gould's playing was distinguished by remarkable technical proficiency and a capacity to articulate the contrapuntal texture of Bach's music. Gould rejected most of the standard Romantic piano literature by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and others, in favour of Bach and Beethoven mainly, along with some late-Romantic and modernist composers. Although his recordings were dominated by Bach and Beethoven, Gould's repertoire was diverse, including works by Mozart, Haydn, Scriabin, and Brahms; pre-Baroque composers such as Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, William Byrd, and Orlando Gibbons; and 20th-century composers including Paul Hindemith, Arnold Schoenberg, and Richard Strauss. Gould was known for his eccentricities, from his unorthodox musical interpretations and mannerisms at the keyboard to aspects of his lifestyle and behaviour. He stopped giving concerts at age 31 to concentrate on studio recording and other projects. Gould was also a writer, broadcaster, composer and conductor. He was a prolific contributor to musical journals, in which he discussed music theory and outlined his musical philosophy. He performed on television and radio, and produced three musique concrète radio documentaries, the Solitude Trilogy, about isolated areas of Canada. Though known chiefly as a pianist, Gould capped off his musical career with a recording of Wagner's Siegfried Idyll as conductor.
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Toronto, ON, Canada

Glenn Gould (1932-1982). Recognized internationally as one of the great classical musicians of the 20th century, this pianist of prodigious talent and originality is best known for his masterful renditions of the counterpoint of J.S. Bach. Retiring from the concert stage at the young age of 32, he exploited new sound technologies to their fullest and left a rich musical heritage in his many recordings. A visionary thinker and author, who foresaw the profound impact of technology on culture and society, he also pursued a remarkably diverse career in radio and television. Long after his premature death, Gould continues to challenge and inspire. / Reconnu mondialement comme l’un des grands musiciens classiques du XXe siècle, ce pianiste à l’originalité et au talent prodigieux s’est distingué par ses interprétations magistrales du contrepoint de J.-S. Bach. Dès 32 ans, il a quitté la scène pour se consacrer aux nouvelles technologies sonores, créant par ses nombreux enregistrements un riche legs musical. Ce penseur et auteur visionnaire, qui anticipait le profond impact des technologies sur la culture et la société, a poursuivi aussi une carrière diversifiée à la radio et à la télévision. Même après sa mort prématurée, Gould continue d’inspirer et de susciter des explorations.

English translation:

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