How Glenn Gould Broke Classical Music

Рет қаралды 285,527

Күн бұрын

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0:00 What could go wrong?
0:55 Chapter 1: Gould's Musical Hallucination
9:51 Chapter 2: Gould vs Orthodoxy
17:32 Chapter 3: Gould the Philosopher
26:08 Chapter 4: Gouldian Altered State
Listen to Gould's Brahms Concerto: glenngould.lnk.to/BrahmsPiano...
Check out Arved Ashby's book:
www.ucpress.edu/book/97805202...
benlaude.com/
/ benlawdy
Special thanks to Daniel Kurganov and Sasha Kasman for their assistance in the technical preparation and production of this video.

Пікірлер: 1 300

@mencken8 Ай бұрын

If classical music does not get more interpreters with Gould’s audacity, the audience will continue to wither.

@arvedashby5029 Ай бұрын

Perfectly stated.

@Bootmahoy88 Ай бұрын

I could not agree more!!!! Yes!

@junlee7237 Ай бұрын

Thats why we got dudes like olafsson. I very much think he is the modern gould

@katebloggs8243 Ай бұрын

@@junlee7237 Vikingur is great! And I agree that classical music really needs to shed the retardataire culture and bring outliers to the center, a big, messy bubbling cauldron of everything all at once.

@Dave_Parrott Ай бұрын

As a person who merely listens to Classical music, I can say I had no idea that this would be controversial, and am baffled to have heard it at all! If I'm being honest, I got the impression that classical music just attracted very dull, unimaginative people to play and conduct, and all the creativity was in the composers, classical or contemporary. I have been immensely grateful to modern composers for breathing new life into classic works, like Max Richter's Vivaldi's The Four Seasons Recomposed. If more performers and conductors made more of an effort to interpret, there might be a reason to go to concert rather than listening to recordings.

@marshallmkerr Ай бұрын

As a 72-year-old, lifelong admirer of Gould, Bernstein, and Horowitz, I sat here the whole half hour in rapt attention and appreciation for the careful, incisive, broad, thorough and generous analysis offered - thank you! That said, the '55 Goldberg recording has always remained my platinum standard for ecstasy in motion.

@CanadianDivergent Ай бұрын

I didn't like the 55' version, I loved the 82' version tho.

@marshallmkerr Ай бұрын

@@CanadianDivergentIt might very well be that I was 30 years old in '82, and had already passionately loved the '55 version for over a decade, before he recorded the later one. They're definitely both worth repeated hearings!

@fredsun9496 Ай бұрын

IMO, the 1959 Salzburg live performance is a much better version of the 55 recording. Also the few variations he performed in Moscow are definitely worth a listen!

@marshallmkerr Ай бұрын

@@fredsun9496Amazing, thanks! Proof that even in my 70s, I can discover new things previously unknown.

@arnoldhemsley9317 Ай бұрын

I've come to the conclusion that it depends on my mood at the moment. I have to sit on the fence with this one but it's a fence with a cushion so the iron doesn't enter the soul!! Very comfortable experience.👍

@8beef4u 27 күн бұрын

Gould's most important contribution in my opinion isn't just his Bach, but the way he unabashedly approached radical reinterpretations of pieces. This is more important now than ever as so many pianists sound exactly the same. I recall Gould saying something along the lines of "Why would I play a piece exactly how someone else played it. The conventional interpretations have been recorded and are perfect in their own right."

@user-qb1sm3rk9r 15 күн бұрын

Because not everyone likes showboating. I'd rather hear a dozen subtly different interpretations of a piece than one radically different. Yeah yeah I like punk music too and all that so I'm not against people trying to be outrageous, but I prefer my classical music to be about the composer not the player.

@justincronkright5025 11 күн бұрын

@@user-qb1sm3rk9r If they're described pre-presentation as such, then it seems more than fine. But for the situation here - it was largely that he didn't have the environmental capacity to do these sorts of variational performances, so had to take to them without reference/notice. But largely agreed, I do think there needs to be space for both however.

@organman52 8 күн бұрын

Did it ever once occur to you that the MASTER COMPOSERS had a specific idea in mind as to how THEIR creations should sound?

@BracaPhoto 8 күн бұрын

I'm an amateur admirer of Gould but I'm afraid I have been infected with fake news over the years --- 1. Did GG ever perform the Lizst Piano interpretations of Beethovens 7th ? Specifically the Allegretto ? 2. If you search on YT Allegretto - Lizst - Gould there is a video that pops up - (I will find the details and post it interested) I think this video is mislabeled because I cannot find where he recorded any Lizst that is similar

@armandogavilan1815 8 күн бұрын

Agreed, but also Bach is important, thanks to him, newer generations were interested in Bach (myself included) listened so many times "The art of the fugue"!

@Visionism Ай бұрын

The critical response to Gould reminds me of this quotation from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."

@ugolomb Ай бұрын

I'm not sure Peter Shaffer would agree. ("Amadeus" is a work of fiction, frankly admitted as such, but Shaffer probably did believe that mediocrity could recognize talent)

@LAK_770 Ай бұрын

This is a nice sounding quip, but it’s a profoundly reductive and self-serving view

@aimilios439 Ай бұрын

@@ugolombMy all time favourite movie, mainly because of that message! Yeah, mediocrity really can recognize genius, and that film made me come to terms with the fact that there are people incredibly better at anything I say I do well.

@JohnSmith-oe5kx 27 күн бұрын

@@LAK_770 No, it describes the attitude of many critics toward Gould. Disagreeing with his approach and disliking it is fine, but to assume that there is no artistry at work is a failure by the critic. Gould would frequently provoke, but it is very evident that he was always trying to communicate something.

@Whatismusic123 25 күн бұрын

Gould was an incompetent narcissist cult leader. that's all he is. talks a lot, plays poorly. he is trash

@jurassicpugs Ай бұрын

That was my best 34 minutes spent on KZfaq for a while. Thanks Ben!

@juditherwinneville7797 Ай бұрын

Agreed!

@ElizabethJohnson-fv2vs Ай бұрын

I admit I have held a pretty snarky attitude about Glenn Gould’s musical interpretations and eccentricity. Thank you for introducing me to Glenn Gould in a different way - as someone who took time to examine the music he was playing, as someone who made people listen in an active way.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

I appreciate this comment a lot! It's one thing to preach to the choir, but I'm perhaps more interested in sharing what is truly worthwhile in Gould even to those who'd otherwise stay far away.

@arnoldhemsley9317 Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Your preaching skill is reaching an even bigger choir.

@aimilios439 Ай бұрын

Well, it's funny you put it that way: Gould was a believer of where technology would go, enabling the listener to alter the music to meet their standards. He dreamed of records that one could play with the volume, timbre, tempo, voices and anything variable. He would probably love today's technology and experiment with it. Or he could detest it and have a solid reason for it. :P Predictability wasn't his thing, his thing was making other things... work, on a new level. His recordings aren't the holy grail, but I would argue his philosophy is.

@marcusonesimus3400 24 күн бұрын

I think a lot of informed people have objected to some of his artistic decisions on aesthetic grounds. There is no need to apologize for yjhthat. But I was always amazed by his skills, not only musiical but verbal as well. I read a collection of his essays a few decades ago and found it very entertaining, as well as insightful om a variety of musical topics seldom discussed. Curiously GG enjoyed a very good reputation behind the Iron Curtain, which is interesting because of the general conservatism of taste in those parts, at that time and probably still now.

@purple467 22 күн бұрын

@@aimilios439 "......alter the music to meet their standards..."??????

@chel3SEY Ай бұрын

KZfaq at its best. Deep, thorough and fascinating. Well done.

@MrPhibbz 28 күн бұрын

I love Glenn Gould. After years of learning piano as a kid, I was able to listen to his recordings and it was the experience that finally unlocked truly my love of classical music. We are so lucky that not only did he make so many piano recordings, he WROTE so many essays about music and did so many programs and interviews that one could almost feel like they know him as person, even though he has passed on decades ago. It feels to me like if I met Mr. Gould, there would be many things to ask him and he is always on my mind as a musician. He is so relevant still today that I can almost imagine him writing a response to this video!

@davidb6477 Ай бұрын

The best thing about this video is that you didn't strawman those of us who don't love Gould. I tentatively clicked on this video and enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Well done!

@DavoStreet 26 күн бұрын

I'm disappointed that you didn't get the thorough strawmanning that you deserve.

@bryandyer5454 15 сағат бұрын

@@DavoStreetNot sure if there is any sarcasm, but strawmanning is counter-productive.

@AngelGonzalez-hc4zw 29 күн бұрын

I have absolutely no music experience, never learned to read music or even play a musical instrument. All I have is my ears and that’s why I am here. I am just a regular guy who after reaching 40 plus years old I fell in the love with classical Piano. It started with Beethovens “Emperor” concerto. Then came the Goldberg Variations and much more followed. Much appreciate the greatness of Glenn Gould. Thanks Ben, I appreciate this video. .

@stevenapkins6460 14 күн бұрын

This is very funny cause the video mentioned the author Murakami who had a character in his book Kafka on the shore who was a truck driver and also fell in love with classical music by way of Beethoven

@bryandyer5454 15 сағат бұрын

Wonderful. The next step is to learn an instrument. Give it a try.

@robsongoulart4378 25 күн бұрын

I know close to nothing about classical music and you brought it to life so deftly. I picked up Gould’s Goldberg Variations Bach recording by chance from the public library. It brought me to my knees. I was flabbergasted and then to top it all off , I heard humming. I was like: who is humming along ? I loved it when I realized Gould himself hummed along. It made me more confident to listen to more classical music somehow. It brought it to me: a commoner with no knowledge or training in classical music. I love Gould for that.

@B1bthinkin 25 күн бұрын

I came across this video by chance. I am someone who loves music, but has no particular knowledge in the field. I have always appreciated Glenn Gould's playing, and never really understood the controversy around him, I had always assumed it was based on his eccentricities. Despite having watched documentaries on Glenn Gould before, this is the first time I feel that I understand why I am captured by his playing, and what drove the controversy. This was a fantastic piece of film making, and your knowledge an dedication to the subject, highly impressive. There is just so much to think about, to consider, to ruminate over; I'll be watching this again. Thank you so much.

@telebtw5697 25 күн бұрын

this was amazing please please please keep making videos like this, classical music needs more content like yours

@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole 17 күн бұрын

Yes, this truly was the video that need to be made on the Glenn Gould controversy. It will clear up a lot of things about the Gould. I just posted some interesting comments on where I don't completely let him off the hook. But I truly garnered me more respect for the man's work. The comment are recent if you want to check them out above. // Also, you may want to take a peek at my music theory where show patterns of theme and emotion that come up depending on what key is used. Take care! - Your, _Acoustic Rabbit Hole_

@joysticle 28 күн бұрын

this video healed my soul. i feel as though i was opened to such a different perspective than the one i was rigidly taught as a child. it brings me back to the times when i played moonlight sonata privately in a way i could emotionally connect to, but when forced to play in front of the teacher, it became forced and truly "machine-like." i haven't practiced the piano in a while, i've moved on to singing instead, but perhaps my old, strict regimen is what leads me to seek freedom in my voice today. gould's statement about music not being a momentary ejection of adrenaline but rather a beautiful state of serenity and wonder blew my mind. thank you for this video. it was educational, thought provoking, and i've earned a deep respect for Glenn Gould. it didn't occur to me that it was 30 minutes long and i was absorbed the whole way through.

@Suavissimo 3 күн бұрын

Great video! Yes, Glenn could've spent his life worrying about pleasing people-but instead he chose to express himself, to allow us to hear classical music in meaningful ways we hadn't heard a thousand times before. Bravo to you both!

@arvedashby5029 Ай бұрын

Fantastic job here, Ben! You manage to bridge local questions of octave-speed with the broadest questions of how humans make sense of the world "out there," and you do so in a way that might have made Gould the pragmatist and "continuist" (?) proud. Thanks much.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

Thank you Arved! Your book helped me clarify things I had been trying to make sense of for a long time. And we do need to find the right term for Gould. “Techno-utopian postmodern-modernist rhythmic-collectivist pragmatist” doesn’t really roll off the tongue.

@LuluBodhi Ай бұрын

@@benlawdysounds like a term Gould would approve of though, considering his own writing style. 😂

@arvedashby5029 Ай бұрын

Well, "the last puritan" is short and sweet, but smacks more of prudish religion than non-prudish music making. @@benlawdy

@natashadimitrovagyaurova4855 8 күн бұрын

Gracias por este estupendo video! Yo pienso que el grande André Watts es la misma alta clase que Glen Gould! Y no se porque no tiene la misma fama que G. Gould?! Que piensa Usted? Gracias!

@abefrandsen Ай бұрын

the Brahms 1 coda never fails to give me goosebumps, but listening Gould's rendition here might be the first time it's caused a lump in my throat (but maybe I'm just emotional since im listening to this in a quite hungry state). Great video!

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

The coda never gets old. Something about the pacing, the way it slowly unfolds/blooms, and then erupts. For me it has to have a strong pulse, no rushing, so of course Gould knocks it out of the park. And that rest he does that sounds like it will never is just ridiculously awesome - especially after an hour of playing like clockwork.

@juditherwinneville7797 Ай бұрын

I have always loved this coda, especially because of Brahms' use of 2nds to make the harmonies so dense and gorgeous. What Gould does here is that the tempo lets those harmonies breathe. Many pianists bang the notes out and gallop through the coda. Gould let the tension build, and then there was that glorious release. The best interpretation of that coda I have heard in the 50+ years I have been listening to this piece!

@nocakewalk Ай бұрын

I love how Gould elevates the musical form (on the timescale of an hour) to the status it deserves. There's nothing quite like a piece of music that actually manages to build on itself for that amount of time.

@user-jy5ch4mu8b Ай бұрын

It was sad that Glenn Gould died too early too young. Had he lived longer, people would have understood him, not criticise!

@5kyfall2017 Ай бұрын

Amazing video on Glenn Gould. Just subscribed to the Patreon as well. What's crazy about Gould is you can make an entire 30-min video just on that single Brahms Concerto performance. Gould is probably the most interesting pianist of the 20th century. People mostly know him for his eccentric takes on Bach, but even his Mozart, Beethoven, and Scriabin interpretations are beyond belief. I would love to see a series on Gould, or on pianists with unique interpretations in the future, something like that.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

Thank you for subscribing. I have way too many videos to make about Gould… I haven’t even scratched the surface. Even this one had a ~5000 word script that had to chop in half to make it watchable. But I need to keep branching out haha. What would you like to see a video on?

@5kyfall2017 Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Really up to you. I like your videos that blend musical analysis, historical significance, and your own experiences. I think it would be wise to make different kinds of series, like one for pianists, one for different interpretations of the same work. Something like that. I also noticed the different records on the wall, perhaps you can go over some of your favorite records or give some insight into the record label industry.

@5kyfall2017 Ай бұрын

I hope more followers get attracted to your channel, seriously underrated content. I mean the production value for this Gould video alone is second to none.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

@@5kyfall2017 thank you! I’m dedicated to growing it, so hopefully it’s just a matter of time.

@katebloggs8243 Ай бұрын

@@benlawdyYou didn’t ask me, but I would love for you to do the 5000-word versions of whatever, when you feel it! Maybe a double-length “director’s cut” released after the shorter version?! I’ll bet a lot of folks who don’t think they want longform would jump right from this into More is More.

@mjears 13 күн бұрын

Excellent essay! I just want to say it in my own words: The “Truth” Gould was reaching for is not “out there” in space somewhere. It’s in the score. It’s in the structure that Brahms wrote, which is incredibly complex and aspects of which can be revealed in many ways through the playing. You can’t communicate everything about a piece in one performance. So Gould was trying to show some of the structure that he felt had been glossed over or missed entirely by others. And I suppose the composer’s inspiration may have mystical aspects we can only guess at, but our study of the music is utterly down-to-earth. Thank you, Ben. This was a great addition to my day.

@vasylvatseba6186 27 күн бұрын

It's awesome !! KZfaq needs such a content! Thank u for brilliant work! Can't wait for next video!

@ValentinKovshikMusic 4 күн бұрын

People forget that musicians can play WHATEVER they want and HOWEVER they want. The joy of playing, and listening as a result, is exactly in that freedom of interpretation and freedom of choice.

@corouniud7592 7 күн бұрын

I don't want to make any comment on Gould (I just love his approach). Rather: your work is FANTASTIC. You make videos that help each of us refine our understanding of music. Rare stuff. Hats off!

@jasonrhodes5023 Ай бұрын

Before I heard Glenn Gould, I liked Bach. After hearing Glenn Gould, I loved Bach more than any other composer. And mind you, not just Gould’s recordings. Glenn’s recordings gave me a framework on how to view Bach’s music, the counterpoint, the separate voices and so on. I feel the same way about his treatment of Brahms. Rhapsody in Bm anyone?

@cernunnos100 Ай бұрын

Ditto

@katebloggs8243 Ай бұрын

Hear hear! Or is it Here, here! 100%.

@owenbloomfield1177 Ай бұрын

His A major Intermezzo is simply divine.

@katebloggs8243 Ай бұрын

@@owenbloomfield1177 Agreed! I am bowled over by all of his Brahms.

@gabrielgarza8283 29 күн бұрын

Scott Ross said Gould has absolutely no understanding of Bachs music.

@rsv-code7004 Ай бұрын

Man, really enjoyed this video! Thanks for making it.

@whoisthispianist194 17 күн бұрын

Ben this is really an exceptionally good video about Gould. I’ve been a massive fan as long as you have, but I wasn’t aware of some of the things you clarify in this video. Thanks for taking the time to explain things in such great detail!

@misterliver Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this!!! I have been ambivalent about Gould for a long time. Hearing more of your informed perspective is very interesting and great content!

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

It means a lot to hear that. Gould isn't for everyone, but I do wish more people would try to understand him!

@akuma2022 27 күн бұрын

Thanks KZfaq for these amazing recommendations & thank you for making this video. ❤ Love from India.

@agnesdebethune8767 10 күн бұрын

Thank you for this marvelous video. I am a longtime Gould fan, and you have humanized some of the magisterial mystery with your narrative. Of course, I am wiping away tears as I type this! Time to pull out the vinyl.

@robynreid3027 12 күн бұрын

Thank you for this wonderful video. I enjoyed your depth of discussion, how you illustrated your points with stories, the score, quote from others, snippets of a range of performances, you made it so easy to follow your thinking. When I needed to hear a version again, you provided it! Brilliant!

@maddannafizz 25 күн бұрын

I cannot put into words how thrilling this was to watch, as a trained pianist, a lover of the courageous Gould to stand up to convention and explore music with a freedon the music institutions, critics frown upon.

@arxsyn 11 күн бұрын

Heaven help them if he dared venture into jazz

@steppenchimera Ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for this video, Ben! I felt like I waited for too long that someone was able to do this. Greaaat job!!!

@brozors 29 күн бұрын

As a lifelong Gould fan, I feel this is a video that you've wanted to make for a very long time and wow, you really did it!

@klassikpunk_ 25 күн бұрын

Thank you for this in-depth analysis. What's more, the video has been prepared with so much attention to detail.

@dahkdm8787 28 күн бұрын

I knew nothing about Gould beforehand but now I'm in love with his work.

@Whatismusic123 25 күн бұрын

the appeal isn't his performances, it's the *idea* of his performances. Good job, you fell for the appeal of a cult leader.

@dahkdm8787 25 күн бұрын

@@Whatismusic123 Bro ur goofy

@marcoopena4596 28 күн бұрын

Beautiful analysis and superb video, I wish KZfaq had more stuff like this

@taylorlayton4508 20 күн бұрын

Quite the video essay - well researched and produced. Good times and learning. My listening ears appreciate it.

@croay Ай бұрын

This made me love Gould even more. His era wasn't ready for him.

@nightmarehd5775 28 күн бұрын

Congrats on 10k!🎉

@sheep9132 Ай бұрын

Extremely enjoyable watch. Thank you!

@jdtubaman 21 күн бұрын

One thing a director told us as an ensemble once: As we are at the top of our game, it is easy for us to play the fast stuff - we love to show off as you have said. However, it is another thing to take that "slow" piece and make it sound incredible, and not ruin it by playing it fast. In a way, that is exactly what he was doing. He was taking his time to really show how wonderful that music was, without trying to rush it, because that is the way to hide those technicalities in how a chord sounds, or even showing off those wonderful inner lines that otherwise would have been overlooked.

@happybeagle13 25 күн бұрын

Hey - I’ve been studying theory and history in preparation for me theory test. Thank you for making this video - you makes these composers and moments in time entertaining and memorable! Hoping to see more content like this

@kodomonoasobireturn 14 күн бұрын

Finally, youtube suggestions did something right. Wonderfully spent 34 minutes, thank you, Ben! Also I love the editing! When the video seemlessly transitioned from you to Berstein with that "why", I had to pause and savor the moment, it was really cool :D

@emperialyoung6338 26 күн бұрын

Hearing Horowitz next to Gould, it's just... stunning how much more evocative Gould's performance is. There's this emotional complexity to the way he interprets. It's so memorable and beautiful. I never understand the people who hear his versions and say such negative things. Gould really turns the music into a collaboration between himself and the original composer, and he's right-that is so much what separates a performance from a great recording. Anyone can play the music the way it's written and has been played before. It takes a true artist to turn the familiar new again, allowing the piece to almost be heard again for the first time, for new discoveries to be made in existing music.

@shumiatcher Ай бұрын

Really appreciate your perspective- well done 🚕

@naromsky 21 күн бұрын

Incredible. Thanks for putting this out there.

@richardt.rogers2730 24 күн бұрын

Fantastic video, thanks so much for putting in the effort and sharing this with us. Subscribed!

@user-yb6ih8tj3r Ай бұрын

Thank you for bringing us on this philosophical journey

@timpage54 Ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your terrific exploration of this performance. It made me happy on a cold spring day.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

And thank you for everything you’ve done for the music world over the years! Your work has been always been inspirational to me.

@timpage54 Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Thank you Ben. Should you ever get to NY it would be a pleasure to say hello. Best, Tim

@dagadbm Ай бұрын

ben I have to say it is incredible what you are doing with your channel. This is incredible content. you did the right move leaving tone base

@josediazmendoza4494 Ай бұрын

Please do more of this 🙏 how incredible in-depth and entertaining analysis

@dgsoundCA Ай бұрын

Thank you so much Ben, I felt like attending a great piano masterclass while watching the video!

@drabauer Ай бұрын

Masterfully paced and argued. I'm a lifelong Gouldian who never quite understood his approach to the Romantics; now I do!

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

If Gould had lived longer, wouldn’t you have liked to hear his Ligeti Etudes?

@drabauer Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Of course! A feast of inner voices! They both shared an obsession with counterpoint.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

@@drabauer Yes and specifically I think Gould might have been attracted to the different lines moving at different rates of speed. Would have loved to hear him play Desordre or Autumn in Warsaw.

@drabauer Ай бұрын

I can also imagine a glacial "White on White" LOL

@aevillarreal 28 күн бұрын

Loved the video and the deep dive into Gould's sometimes odd interpretation of pieces. Awesome work!

@luckystarpiano 21 күн бұрын

What a beautiful artist he was! Deeply thinking and so articulate in his speech & writing ❤ Thank you for your videos🙏

@Cubanbearnyc Ай бұрын

Very interesting and amusing reflections.... at times you gave me the impression to be one one side, then on the other... At the end I got a sense of your stance on Gould's concept. I hope you'll make more videos like this. Bravo!

@FaisalAzizFizzy20000 28 күн бұрын

I’ve been waiting for someone to make a video like this

@k.and.j 21 күн бұрын

Brilliantly researched and presented. I've never been a huge fan of Gould, but after seeing this, I appreciate him a bit more and understand more what drove him. Thanks for this.

@composer7325 24 күн бұрын

This is brilliant.Thank you for the upload.

@jennikomarovsky6826 Ай бұрын

Thank you. This was all fascinating, especially hearing the response of the audience at the end of that performance. The critics were not expressing what the audience felt!

@RobertFleitz Ай бұрын

Such a great video, I learned so much. And I feel really inspired by this idea of Gould "bringing the pantheon down to Earth". Thanks for this great video as always Ben!

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

Thanks Robert!

@ElMcMeen1a 22 күн бұрын

Love the graphics in your video, as well as the content!!

@Urelasir 10 күн бұрын

Found you with this video, and subscribed for more and to see your backlog. Loved it and it is inspiring.

@user-jh7hp9fx1n Ай бұрын

This is next level content and production quality for videos about classical music 👏

@charlotterose6724 Ай бұрын

8:40. I never realized this recording was AFTER the Bernstein. Huh. Thank you so much for this clear analysis of this particular performance. I have a great love of the Brahms 1st. And far and away, the Bernstein/Gould interpretation is my favourite (even among Gould's 3 surviving performances). I am not trained in music myself so I only feel what I feel, but the tension entrances me and at some parts (33:10 to the end: thank you for highlighting) my heart soars.❤

@yonggiWOO Ай бұрын

Really impressed!!! Thank you very much for your great work!!!

@ma_yuvari2215 23 күн бұрын

MOREEEEEEE. This was an amazing video, thank you! God bless you!

@lakatos1683 29 күн бұрын

What a well done video-so interesting!

@ichirofakename Ай бұрын

I want that chair t-shirt.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Gould-s-Chair-by-YesterdayBlues/159260073.WFLAH

@ichirofakename Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Gracias. I ordered myself one.

@jeremiahreilly9739 Ай бұрын

Thanks. Fascinating. I especially loved the analysis of bringing out the inner voices (around minute 16 of the video).

@yoonchun6945 Ай бұрын

Amazing video !! Thanks Ben

@ricardobufo 8 күн бұрын

The most important statement is when Gould says when we play a work, we don't reproduce the composers intent, but RECREATE it anew. And each time, the big question is, "Is it musical; does it work?" With Gould, the answer is always, "Yes!" and kudos to Bernstein for running with him and helping it work.

@kubilaytuncer5319 Ай бұрын

ıt's a pleasure to watch your videos Ben. Your knowledge, insight and expertise are remarkable and you are a top video maker. Thank you.

@silver1788 29 күн бұрын

This is a great video Not only on the content level - i loved the parallels to pragmatism - but i especially noticed how well this video was structured I think video essays many times are one of two ways Either it starts with one specific thing/topic/whatever and just stays there, just explaining or analysing it in detail but not going beyond the initial premise, which i find boring sometimes Or it takes one thing as a jumping-of-point and then more or less abandoning it as one talks about the deeper thing behind the initial catch of the video, which is usually the type i tend to enjoy the most I think this is the first time i saw these two approaches successfully combined. You started with the Brahms concert and always came back to it throughout your expedition of context, goulds approach, philosophy, intentions and gould and his work itself and so on which seem to stray far from the initial concert But the way you always found a way to get back without a big noticeable cut so that in the end you get the feeling that you watched a video which was about one specific concert basically all the way through but simultaneously was about goulds deeper philosophical approaches and intentions… incredible So I really liked this video xD

@melodysimms4835 16 күн бұрын

I love how much Gould sounds like a music box. That constant pulse just gives this very subtle but otherworldly energy. I love it!

@remyvegamedia Ай бұрын

I'm coming from jazz and just recently really trying to learn classical piano, but I'm learning by myself listening to recordings and referencing sheet music. Some of the things you're saying in the comments are really speaking to me as an outsider of classical music who is just exploring it and with an unconventional approach haha. I'm only 7 minutes in. I'm gonna watch the whole thing, but I subscribed (having found you originally on Tonebase) and I look forward to hearing more from you as a solo presenter on youtube.

@Whatismusic123 25 күн бұрын

he is just riding the 🍆 of a cult leader. this isn't anything special.

@leonardobacchi1464 Ай бұрын

What a wonderful analisys! Thank you so much.

@DrRestezi 12 күн бұрын

So glad to have found this video and channel. Some really incisive and profound analysis of a fascinating, and I guess polarizing, subject. My interest in the continuing enigma of Glenn Gould is retriggered.

@wutan7 14 күн бұрын

I think that it is the case that you, with these videos, give much more to music for the listener than you can even imagine. History seems available at our daily lives, almost present and vibrant and more alive than any particular news on the newspaper. Thank you so much for your work ❤

@longhaulblue Ай бұрын

Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm with you on those inner voices. It's wondrous to hear them when you've never heard them before, even though you've heard the piece multiple times by other musicians. I've always enjoyed Gould inner tempo that he holds throughout a piece. I used to wonder why I was so attracted to his music. And my conclusion years ago was the pulse he kept that gave it that "American rhythm".

@josephmcphee9143 Ай бұрын

I learn so much from your videos. Thank you

@andresgualdron Ай бұрын

Man, this is amazing, thanks! 👏👏👏

@louiso1229 Ай бұрын

Exceptionnal work, thank you !!

@plathanos159 12 күн бұрын

He was the first one to create slowed and reverb versions 🤑🤙

@micahglesener3978 Ай бұрын

Actually so cool that Ben has his own channel now. I wonder what his least favorite Gould recordings are. I do think it’s good to adopt and listen to true critical thinkers but also being a contrarian myself, sometimes I do it just to do it.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

Good question. Maybe some of his Bach WTC is underwhelming. Like, if he didn’t really like a piece and wasn’t inspired to develop a concept for it, especially when he’s recording complete sets, he can just sound like “generic Gould.” But even then, I just love his touch. And I’m not ashamed to say that I love his intentional parodies of pieces he dislikes. Some of the machine gun Mozart movements are laugh out loud funny.

@Veaseify Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Begs the question - why do artists record music they don't like? Were they told what they had to play back then or something?

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

@@Veaseify He did like the Brahms Concerto, actually. But he did record lots of music he didn't like, and yeah it's more or less because of incentives from labels to sell more records of standard works. The complete Mozart sonatas are the best example - he liked some of them, but mostly were not his cup of tea. But there was pressure to record the whole cycle. This still happens today - pianists recording complete cycles - but you see it less and less, and more variety and concept albums, which I think is a good thing.

@Veaseify Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Thanks for the response Ben. I wonder if he would have been happier improvising like Keith Jarret or getting to grips with some Bill Evans pieces where 'interpreting' the music doesn't get you into trouble...

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

@@Veaseify he had a composer’s mindset, but his genius was as a pianist / so I think these kinds of interpretations were natural for him. He actually was ideologically opposed to improvisation, but that’s a whole other video/can of worms. You’re onto something though - part of him didn’t want to be a pianist. He became more interested in producing conceptual radio and film, where piano wasn’t involved (like Idea of North) and probably would have directed more film if he had lived longer.

@ruochenlin7994 Ай бұрын

Love your content Ben! The side-to-side comparisons are very informative, and your prefessional knowledge and humour keep my ADHD mind focused for the entirety of the video.

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

From one ADHD mind to another!

@melodymaker135 Ай бұрын

What a great video. Instant fan of the channel. The host’s educated passion for Gould’s work shines through, but he’s also irreverent and funny. Bravo!!!

@leos2976 Ай бұрын

Gould's conception of the last movement is still my favorite of all recorded versions, studio or live. No one gives such care to so much of how the finale opens up to finally reach that insane cadenza. Though I don't always like the other 2 movements, it all fits well together as a whole. I'll always admire Gould's straight up courage to keep his mind open to possibilities. Also I've read enough about Brahm's own piano playing to know he would play wildly different from his own scores. I think he would have open to Gould's ideas.

@tomannable5520 Ай бұрын

Very interesting and enjoyable video. I have never understood Gould - I am not sure I ever will - but this brings me a step closer to understanding other points of view of him. 👍🏼

@karolinaeigenmacht5433 24 күн бұрын

That was.just wonderful!. I never knew what to make of Glenn....pls give us more of your work!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤😊🎉🎉

@darbl.musica 22 күн бұрын

Very interesting. I knew a little about that Gould's episode, but this video goes beyond it, into a deep and exhaustive discussion about the matters of music composing and interpretation. Thanks!

@DelsinM Ай бұрын

Very insightful and entertaining; thank you for this.

@The_PianoDoctor Ай бұрын

What a great Video ! Love the editing, thank you for putting in so much effort !

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

Thank you! I need to start making shorter videos because I can’t help myself with the attention to detail… even 30 minute in when most people aren’t watching anymore

@The_PianoDoctor Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy I for sure watched the whole 30 minutes and enjoyed every minute of it ! Thanks again :)

@Sanders-vd3tp Ай бұрын

@@benlawdyI don't mind 30 minutes at all when it's so engaging and informative!

@benlawdy Ай бұрын

@@Sanders-vd3tp thank you! But also, if my videos were shorter there would be more of them!

@jaygatz4335 Ай бұрын

@@benlawdy Not to worry - your viewers have long attention spans and soak up the details without complaint. They are what make your videos stand out.

@matthijsbog7276 18 күн бұрын

amazing video. your passion flows through the entire 34 minutes. first time that i subscribe to a channel after 1 video.

@rogerduke5341 23 күн бұрын

Fascinating video. Thanks for making it

@josephredingmusic Ай бұрын

Excellent work!

@ronl7131 Ай бұрын

GG had very definite ideas, biases. Some quirky ideas. But always worth a careful listen. His idiosyncrasies demonstrate a massive self-discipline to maintain his approaches so consistently through a composition. Huge technique to pull off his demonstrations. Interesting theories of harmonies. Imagine the sound worlds floating around in his head.