Glenn Gould Discusses Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 30 (Op 109)

[islandcrimes]

Gould is lying about the mirror gag! He snake salesman nookie tie!

[sirdelrio]

Every time Glenn speaks the world is enlightened with a shining beam of musical truth. I just cannot believe how some people even dare to give the category of 'genius' to other pianists who cannot even dream of having this type of understanding of the music.

[LucasD0745]

I do believe the measures he's referring to are 12 to 15. At least, the chords he plays as demonstration at 2:20 correspond to these measures. Listen for the highest melodic voice in his played progression: A - G - F#, (though LVB spells the G as an F double-sharp). The respective chords are A fully diminished - D# major - B major, which are elaborately arpeggiated in LVB's score. I haven't figured out what Gould is referring to by "turning the progression upside down" in mirror fashion. Hmmm.

[iroveashe]

Did he say the last sonata, the opus 109? Did he hate the rest so much that he forgot they exist? Or am I getting something wrong?

[bnull240]

@iroveashe He said "Third from last"

[iroveashe]

@bnull240 Ohhh, okay, I thought he mean 'third movement' from the last sonata.

[Sylvain894]

I don't blame him, poor guy; trying to explain richness of music and different views about composers and the work he did for posterity ! People (like Germans) should pay attention to Mr.Gould who was in general, a must for German music development, in thesis and practicing. Peace to his soul, and thankful for his personnal experience he leted !

[1in1cog1nit1o1]

I've never been mad on his playing, but find him fascinating talking about music

[pugay69]

Which 4 measures?

[TJMOTION]

From this conversation there are indications of a jazz musician's psyche sitting in the background - viz: " no excuse for a performance that can be duplicated." Yes, every performer will 'interpret'. Some may say that 'this is the definitive 'interpretation'. But of course we do not know. Beethoven's own performance?

[MrEYTheInternational]

Let's all just hope that newer performers who feel they're basing their stunt-work on Glenn Gould's innovative precedent will be as thoughtful as he was about it, at least.

[patrickwaltersguitar]

Thank you for posting!!!

[gybemm]

what do you mean his english is very well pronounced and clear

[chrish12345]

Also he's really basing what he says on the idea that live performance would die out, which hasn't happened.

[chrish12345]

Players should always stick to the score. The fact that so few can do this successfully means that anyone who can do it well should definitely seek to make a living from it. Also there have never been 2 identical performances of a piece, even from the same performer. So the idea that because we already have good performances means that there won't be ones just as good and just as valid (ie. valid, from Gould's perspective) in the future seems to be misconceived.

[megagnathos]

There was no happenings in Beetoven's world, what he did spewed from his thought like piss from a horse!

[MaestroTJS]

This was fascinating, but I have to say I feel like I've been left hanging. I wish he had played the bars he was referring to.

Now I have to listen for this passage myself? Damn it! lol

[wnxg4nd4lf]

Beethoven. He has my greatest respect and love. Ofcourse Gould is amazing too!

[8888sam]

gould is god

[peteravel]

His last sentence is the most awesome

[Jitpring]

Yes, and most false. Rest assured that Beethoven knew precisely what he was doing at all times.

[quinto34]

@Jitpring You would think so, genius as he was.. Don't forget that in fact, that the good man suffered from lead poisoning..

This is nasty stuff, that even might have caused his loss of hearing

[megagnathos]

@Jitpring except for when he was smearing his feces on his walls.

[j67123]

For those who have trouble understanding GG, let me know and I'll send you an e-mail of the entire conversation.

[bobscascavel]

I would like

[sofi1506]

@j67123 would you be so kind and send it to me?

[sofi1506]

@j67123 would you be so kind and send it to me?

[sofi1506]

@j67123 would you be so kind and send it to me?

[ironmymaiden]

hey, can i get an email of the conversation??

[Marco1281]

@j67123 Yes i would be interested in being given the entire written conversation, as my level in English is not satisfying enough to be able to understand everything. This is a problem of listening skill in a foreign language. But written down on a mail, would be fine ! If you have time...

[Marco1281]

@j67123 I forgot my email : poulbot40@orange.fr

[eek4rus]

which four bars is he referring to? 74-77 perhaps?

[j67123]

Holy shit! The girl at the very end is beautiful. Come for the insightful discussion, get a glimpse of an angel at no extra charge.^^

[weikko79]

I agree, she is beautiful! Did she upload this video?

[vinciano]

@j67123 I try to write u but according to youtube your account is closed.

[marcohorowitz]

was that English?? I don't get it!

[vinciano]

Damn me and my unability to understand Glenn Gould considerations. Anyone can quickly translate what he said about op. 109?

[weikko79]

Don't you understand English? If so, you write it surprisingly well.