Glenn Gould Offers a Strikingly Unconventional Interpretation of 1806 Beethoven Composition

Here’s a strikingly unconventional interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 1806 composition, 32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, by the Canadian virtuoso pianist Glenn Gould. It was recorded in Toronto in March of 1966 for a special program, “Conversations with Glenn Gould,” which featured an in-depth discussion between Gould and the BBC arts reporter Humphrey Burton. You can find the complete program broken up into pieces at the CBC Web site. And for an especially interesting 35-minute segment, in which Gould explains and demonstrates his idiosyncratic approach to interpreting Beethoven, see below:

Related Content:

Video: Glenn Gould Plays the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach

Glenn Gould Explains the Genius of Johann Sebastian Bach (1962)

Glenn Gould Predicts Mash-up Culture in 1969 Documentary


by | Permalink | Comments (1) |

Support Open Culture

We’re hoping to rely on our loyal readers rather than erratic ads. To support Open Culture’s educational mission, please consider making a donation. We accept PayPal, Venmo (@openculture), Patreon and Crypto! Please find all options here. We thank you!


Leave a Reply

Quantcast
Open Culture was founded by Dan Colman.