Re: Hypothetical Question: GG in Concert: Would You Go?

[Kate Clunies-Ross <goldbergs@TALK21.COM>]

Original message:-

> This is a Hypothetical Question (sigh).
>
> But lets say somebody handed you a time machine and the
> chance to see Glenn Gould in concert. Your pick of venues,
> program, dates, etc.
>
> Would you go?

Oh, what a lovely hypothetical question....!
I'd go. Probably feeling terribly guilty about the whole thing, so I'd hide
myself at the back of the autitorium, maybe disguised in overcoat, muffler
etc, (despite the heat that he would insist on!)
But of course, in deference to his beliefs,  i would try not to look at him
directly as he played (difficult, that, as in my opinion the ecstasy and
intensity would be wonderful to see) ...and  OF COURSE I Would Not
Applaud.....!

I am sure that I would want to thank him, however, so  I would probably be
moved to write  him a letter and tell him how his music has helped me, how
it has moved me, how much I appreciate what he shares with us. Apparently he
was  glad when people found his music helpful or  "therapeutic' in any way,
and judging from the replies in his collected letters, he did not mind his
fans  _writing_  to him. Not that I would have expected a reply!
I don't entirely share his opinions about public concerts anyway, although I
can appreciate his feelings  about playing in front of an audienceI
personally  find "live' music can be wonderful, it has a kind of  immediacy
and vitality that recordings do not necessarily have,  and in the case of a
great performer like GG the odd slip, the possibility that the particular
performance might not demonstrate absolute technical perfection or be the
exact interpretation he would want to record for posterity, would not worry
me at all . I would not feel as though I was a spectator at a contest in a
gladiatorial arena.

I'd want to hear him play the Goldbergs, although I understand from what
Bruno M. said, that actually he did not play these very many times during
his concert-playing career! Possibly i would choose the Salzburg recital.

But when the time came to re-enter   that hypothetical time machine, and
return to the Gouldless present, I guess I'd be in tears. I can  be
dreadfully sentimental sometimes, you know, Anne. But what a memory Iwould
have to treasure.

Best wishes to all
Kate