Glenn Gould

Glenn Herbert Gould (1932-1982) was a Canadian pianist and composer best known for his performances and recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach's works, which revolutionized the way Bach's music was understood and performed. Born in Toronto, Gould showed prodigious talent from childhood and became internationally recognized by his early twenties. His 1955 recording of the Goldberg Variations is considered a landmark in classical music recording and remains one of the best-selling piano recordings of all time. Gould was renowned not only for his technical brilliance but also for his interpretive depth and willingness to challenge conventional performance practices. He was famous for his eccentricities—humming and singing while performing, his unusual physical posture at the keyboard, and his preference for recording over live performance in his later years. Beyond his interpretations of Bach, Gould was a serious composer and wrote numerous articles exploring music theory and aesthetics. He was a pioneering figure in the use of technology and creative editing in classical music recording, treatments that were considered controversial at the time but are now recognized as innovative. His relatively short life (he died at 50) and his uncompromising artistic vision have made him a legendary figure in classical music.