Conversations with Glenn Gould

This slim volume greatly exceeded my expectations. I was expecting an interesting but essentially non-essential book to be read and then largely placed aside or forgotten. To my pleasant surprise, however, the book is so densely packed with Gould's philosophy, wit, and ideas that it ranks among his better records. I suspect that, like a good recording, I will return to this from time to time, not only to illuminate his musical ouevre but to re-examine the original thoughts it contains. The book contains two interviews conducted over the phone by music journalist Jonathan Cott. Cott is a solid interviewer, but sometimes can't keep up with Gould, who apparently talks off the cuff with a complexity most of us would be glad to achieve in writing and few could hope to match in terms of density and erudition. As a bonus, the book contains Gould's side of the story regarding his much-recounted meeting with conductor George Szell, who famously remarked about Gould, "That nut's a genius." I would recommend this book absolutely to anyone with more than a passing acquintance with Gould's unique music.

A great little book offering a wild splash of the supremely confident thought of one of the great artists of the 20th century. I know a lot of Gould, and Cott's engaging interview brings new material forward, framing a distinct portrait of Gould's indisputable gifts. One of the best aspects of the interviews (for those who appreciate Gould's humor) is Gould's plucky references to the Watergate hearings (which were being telecast during the time span of the interviews included), managing an elfish weaving of John Dean testimony into a discussion about Orlando Gibbons, among other examples. Gould's divine quixotic humor quickens everything, and Cott wisely lets it play. The pace of the book is admirable. While question and answer interview formats can wear, here the query is intelligent, even knowing, and Gould's characteristic replies gather and converge to form, as expected, a seamless and ever-inspired compendium of vital analysis of and love for the art of music. Nothing rivals Gould's mystical penetration of his art. Essential for the Gould-engaged.

I have been fascinated with Glenn Gould for a number of years, so to find anything about him or his life is very interesting. I enoyed this book very much and recommend it to anyone who likes to read about extraordinary people.