Glenn Gould plays Bach

I do not share a great many of Gould's tastes and prejudices (which his anti-Chopin bias must be called, although he did record Chopin's 3rd piano sonata, and it is brilliantly played) but I am persuaded by his arguments supporting many of his beliefs and theories, such as why he gave up performing. He regarded the artist as a vehicle for the music, not a superstar who shows off in front of an audience which is encouraged to show approval or disapproval with applause or catcalls.

This is a very touching video of boy and his dog.
IMHO (and the O of many thousands of others) GG is the greatest pianist of the 20th century, a century full of brilliant pianists. Until the 20th century, musicians were expected to improvise. If Chopin or GG improvised, they were doing it for reasons that would only enhance the music. I like performers who get the stodgy musicologists all upset as Gould did.
To those of you who can't abide the singing and humming: get over it!

If you are used to Bach, then it might seem that way. But Chopin used more chromaticism and feeling, which often cannot be predicted. He did not make things up as he went along. Almost like Mozart, a piece would hit him in it's completeness, and he would immediately play it out on the piano. Then he spent weeks trying to put it on paper. He was also often unsatisfied with his works, and so definitely I'm sure he had the dignity never to try to improvise and call it a piece.

excellent pianist and interpretation yes BUT... that fucking rediculius noise he used to make when playing spoils it for me!

yes, it always seems like Chopin is making it all up as he goes along. I'm just sayin

This is a valid opinion, expressed in a non offensive way and should not be modded down by people who disagree with it

Amazing ! Thanks for sharing !

A note on what I said...when I said Gould plays too quickly, I was thinking of things like Moonlight Sonata, 1st movement...he's great for Bach, I guess.

omg Chopin! Gould must have no idea what he's talking about if he said the "Lord of the Piano" Chopin didn't know how to compose for the piano! He was the "Poet of the Piano" for goodness sakes. I'm sorry, but Gould just irritates me in general (humming, playing pieces too quickly almost all the time), and that comment doesn't help. Long live Chopin! (Although Liszt was a bit flashy and emotionally dry.)

I think he really liked this piece :)