Glenn Gould was a Canadian pianist, celebrated particularly for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach's keyboard works. His playing was distinguished by remarkable technical proficiency and a unique ability to articulate the polyphonic textures inherent in Bach's music. While Bach dominated his recordings, Gould's repertoire was diverse, encompassing works by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and 20th-century figures. After the age of 31, Gould abandoned live concerts to focus entirely on studio recording and other ventures, including writing, composing, and broadcasting.
The author spoke with pianist Glenn Gould (1932-82), one of the most idiosyncratic and charismatic musicians of the twentieth century, in 1974 for Rolling Stone and published the transcripts in two long articles; after Gould's death, the author gathered these interviews in this book, adding an introduction, a selection of photographs, and more.