32 Short Films About Glenn Gould: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993 Film)

Cult Devotion

The movie for which these extractions provided the soundtrack was indeed quite interesting. Sadly, it's now unavailable. Gould has achieved a cult status unlike that of any classical musician since Caruso or Paganini. Unfortunately, he devoted his considerable talents to the performance of music for which he was particularly unsuited psychologically, on an instrument equally unsuited to the music.
Thomas Bernhard, an Austrian, has written an insightful novel, titled The Loser, which probes Gould's obsessive/depressive personality. I strongly recommend it to devotees of the Gould cult. February 13, 2007

One of My Favorite CDs

Glenn Gould artistry inspires nothing but admiration. Each piece on this cd is so entertaining and delightful! For example, Bach's Prelude English Suite for keyboard No. 5 in E minor & the Prelude and Gigue from the English Suite for keyboard No. 2 in A minor. Bach's Little prelude in D Minor tramples its identity and morphs into adolescents. The Beethoven on this cd is also remarkable and the effects he creates for some of those pieces is undeniably unique and certainly sets an interpretive standard.

And lastly, to think Gould could no longer suprise me he introduces us to some great compositions and what would become my favorite tracks on the CD: Piano Sonata in B minor, Op. 5 Adagio cantabile composed by Richard Strauss and 11. Sonatina No. 2, for piano in E major, Op. 67/2 Andantino composed by Jean Sibelius. These two recordings belong to that set of moments whose ambiance of silence and withheld passion yearns the soul.

Incredible music making. November 24, 2002

Brilliant performances from a musical genius

This is a brilliant album! It would be nice if everything were recorded in DDD. Other than this, I cannot recommend a change that would make this CD more enjoyable than it already is. Gould is a recognized master, but seldom is an album published that provides a listener the opportunity to see the range and power of such a performer in action. If you enjoyed the movie, this CD will be a welcome addition to your collection. And even if you haven't seen the movie, you'll enjoy this musical glimpse into Gould's life. August 11, 2000

The Whole Range of Gould's Talent

This is an outstanding soundtrack to an outstanding movie. For the listener who is new to Gould, this CD presents Gould's talents as a Bach performer, as well as his less well-known, but equally impressive talents as a performer of late 19th and 20th century music, with some stringent, thrilling Beethoven to boot. For the experienced Gould listener,it provides a chance to compare and contrast Gould's approach to various forms of music. One of the most noteworthy pieces on this CD is the interpretation of the Adagio from Richard Strauss's youthful Piano Sonata in B minor. Recorded close to the time of his death, it reveals the rare pianist who can play Romantic music with incredible clarity and emotional depth. Gould's approach to this piece is tender and wistful, distant in a way that affords it a sense of isolation and profound sadness. The reprise of Bach's music at the end of the CD is chilling and bursting with Gould's uniquely emotional approach to this music. Listening to this CD is an experience in and of itself. Don't miss out on it. May 9, 2000

If you aren't amazed by these recordings, check for a pulse.

If you have studied music all your life and grown weary of the state of the performing arts and are trying to remember why you fell in love with it initially (like me) OR if you have never appreciated classical pianio music and are wondering what all the fuss is about BUY THIS RECORDING AND LISTEN TO IT! As a pianist who gave up the trade in favor of my mental health this stuff made me break out in a cold sweat. It's the real thing. November 25, 1998

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