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GG's playing "erotic" ? (quote from Mary Jo)
I have never read any review or analysis calling GG's playing "erotic."
The "32 Short Films" reference to Gould's intense 'physical involvement
with music. It was also discussed in the postumous biography, when a
contributor to the author's material half-jokingly states that one felt
one shouldn't be watching him play, as it seemed like an intrusion upon
two lovers. This much is documented, but his playing always sounded
"chaste" and even in such sensual pieces as Scriabin's reviwers called
his performances "understated."
The problem with the comment that GG's playing was "erotic" misses the
point: it was his complete involvement with music, including a physical
response. This response has been expressed by other musicians, including
the violinist Midori, the soprano Cecilia Bartolli, and others. They each
said essentially the same thing: that music gave them fulfillment that
obviated the necessity for any other physical "satisfaction."
It is difficult for persons not acknowledged as musically gifted to
comprehend that one can be a red-blooded musician who expresses his
physicality through his art.