Product Description

In 1955, at the age of 23, pianist Glenn Gould burst onto the world stage with his inspired recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. His dynamic virtuosity and passionate artistry inspired millions, and he spent the next nine years as a star on the international concert circuit. In 1964 he announced that he was retiring from live performance, and he devoted the rest of his life to recording and documentaries.

Glenn Gould: A Life in Pictures is the first photographic treatment of the life of one of the greatest and most fascinating musicians of our time. This collection of more than 200 images includes a treasure trove of family pictures from the Glenn Gould Estate and rare photos from the CBC archives, Sony Classical and the National Library of Canada.

The foreword by Yo-Yo Ma and the introduction by music critic Tim Page provide an insightful overview of Gould's life and art. Extensive captions by the estate's literary adviser and quotations from Gould himself and other luminaries, such as Leonard Bernstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Leopold Stokowski and Leonard Rose, appear throughout the book. The result is a lively portrait of a creative genius.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #236011 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781554072897
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Master cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Pulitzer Prize–winning music critic Page (The Glenn Gould Reader) provide the text for this large-format collection of photographs assembled by publisher Lester, former manager of the Glenn Gould Foundation and current literary adviser to the Glenn Gould Estate. Arranged more or less chronologically, these pictures span the entirety of Gould's brief life (1932–1982) and provide a unique perspective into his creativity as a pianist, composer and recording artist. The book is divided into four sections: in Overture, childhood snapshots reveal the growth of a keyboard prodigy; Bursting Forth soars with early accolades and triumphant tours; New Horizons depicts the mid-1960s, when Gould abandoned concerts to explore the possibilities of the recording studio; and Envoi uses scenes of his silent studio to depict his death, an age 50 finale. As the pictorial parade marches on, the result is like watching an old 16mm documentary film unspool, and Gould's fervor, evident in the photos, is amplified in attractive, appealing layouts. (Sept.)
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Review
Fabulous detail of Gould's life. (Lois Cooper Muskoka Today 20071213)

A beautiful collection of more than 200 photographs.... For the many, many Gould fans, this is essential. Highly recommended. (Timothy J. McGee, Trent University Library Journal 20071015)

A must-have for any true fan of Glenn Gould. (Jane Heney Canadian Camera 200712)

The first photographic treatment of [Gould]'s life and work, using private family pictures and rare photos from various official archives. (Scott McDonald Quill and Quire 20070831)

Captures the great pianist from his childhood through to his early death in 1982. (The National Post 20071201)

A unique perspective into [Gould's] creativity as a pianist, composer and recording artist.... attractive, appealing layouts. (Publishers Weekly )

It is altogether a highly successful undertaking and a fitting and respectful tribute to its subject.... A must-have...for Gould fans (S. Timothy Maloney, University of Minnesota Notes )

From the Inside Flap

"Glenn Gould was blessed with a multitude of gifts, but longevity was not among them. And yet... he has, in some profound and personal way, transcended time, for he remains a vital -- indeed essential -- musical presence all these years later, in some ways more central to our experience now than when he was alive."
-- Tim Page, from the Introduction

Glenn Gould (1932-1982) burst onto the world stage with his inspired 1955 recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. His dynamic virtuosity and passionate artistry inspired millions, and he spent the next nine years as a star on the international concert circuit. In 1964, he announced that he was retiring from live performance, and devoted the rest of his life to recordings and documentaries.

Glenn Gould: A Life in Pictures is the first photographic treatment of the life of one of the greatest and most fascinating musicians of all time. This collection of more than 200 images includes a treasure trove of family pictures from the Glenn Gould Estate, most of which have never been published, and rare photos from the CBC Archives, Sony Classical, and the National Library of Canada.

A Life in Pictures celebrates the seventieth anniversary of Gould's birth. The Foreword by Yo-Yo Ma and the Introduction by music critic Tim Page provide an insightful overview of Gould's life and art. Extensive captions by the Estate's literary advisor, Malcolm Lester, and quotes from Gould himself and other luminaries such as Leonard Bernstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Leopold Stokowski, and Leonard Rose appear throughout the book. The result is a lively portrait of a unique creative genius.

Customer Reviews

Absolutely wonderful!!
A must for all Glenn Gould fans. Superb photography and the perfect encapsulation of his life