Glenn Gould - Music and Mind

I've read nearly everything I can get my hands on concerning Gould. I skipped this one for a long time because it was an early study and I thought less valuable than later ones. Big mistake! This is one of the best books available on how Gould thought about what he did with his life in music. It presents the whole picture of his musical thinking perhaps better than anyone else. In other words, don't skip it if you want to know about the philosophy of his LIFE and MUSIC. Very valuable. Puts Gould's aesthetics on a whole new level.

I think the best way to look at this book is as a book by Gould filtered through the mind of a professional philosopher. Read Friedrich's book for an example of the influence that Gould had on how this book was written. Although this might detract from this book as an objective analysis of Gould's thought (I got the same sense reading the book that I do when listening to or reading a transcript of one of Gould's famous scripted "off-the-cuff" interviews), it is still very important as a compendium of his ideas, articulated in a coherent framework. Especially interesting is Gould's denunciation of much of the Romantic piano literature, and his admission (gasp) that he would occasionally play Chopin for himself at home. (and,yes, I am aware of the recording of the B minor sonata.) If you are interested in Gould or modern thought on music and the relationship of media to music, buy this book.

A real masterpiece - insightful and comprehensive. The reader is actually able to see inside the mindset of Gould. Great for anyone who appreciates music and performance at the highest level.

I read this book when it was first published by the Author. His comments concerning one of the greatest creative geniuses ever are a fitting tribute. His recognition of Gould's special place in the scheme of things is evidenced on every page.