Re: Gould Bias

["L. Lalonde" <llalonde@lightspeed.net>]

>   I call it Gould Bias.  Any comments?
> 
> 
For the most part, I agree with you Gregory.  Most of the pieces I 
hear GG play are simply superior to anyone else's renditions.  
However, I do have a bias towards Van Cliburn's recordings.  I enjoy 
comparing the few pieces both pianists recorded.  VC has a much more 
elegant and emotional technique whereas GG has a slower, more 
disciplined playing.  Although I have found GGs "Moonlight" sonata is 
far more intense and driving than Van's.  Unfortunately, because Van 
is a 'concert' pianist, he has only a fraction of the recordings Glenn 
made.  Therefore, very little can be compared.  But no other pianist 
comes close to GG's technique to my mind.

As a side note, I did purchase the Michaelangeli version of the 
"Emperor."  (He is the pianist for whom GG substituted at the last 
minute to accomodate the CBC in 1970 when Michaelangeli backed out.)  
It is actually quite comical.  I have never heard this concerto played 
so fast and with little conviction.  I believe Gould's impromptu 
performance, even with the clinkers, far outshines this version.

Lori Lalonde