Glenn Gould was an enigmatic Canadian pianist whose genius at the keyboard, particularly in his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach's works, made him an iconic figure in classical music. Born on September 25, 1932, in Toronto, Ontario, Gould began studying piano at an early age and quickly gained recognition for his prodigious talent. He was known not just for his unrivaled technical precision but also for his unconventional and often radical musical interpretations, distinctive playing posture, and habit of humming while he played, which sometimes became audible in recordings.
Gould's recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations in 1955 catapulted him to international fame—this and his later 1981 recording of the same piece bookend his career and reflect his evolving approach to music. Gould shunned the concert stage at the age of 31, preferring the control over his musical presentation that the recording studio provided. He became a prolific recording artist, essayist, lecturer, and broadcaster, often conveying his deep musings on the philosophy of art and performance. Gould's idiosyncratic lifestyle and profound musical insights continue to influence musicians and listeners alike even after his premature death on October 4, 1982, just days after his 50th birthday. His legacy lives on through countless recordings, documentaries, and books, preserving the work of a truly singular artist who redefined the boundaries of classical piano music.
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