Philosopher at the Keyboard: Glenn Gould

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is a provocative account of pianist Glenn Gould's intellectual and musical thought. Gould was a philosopher who incessantly pursued wisdom through his art. If the reader follows Gould's ardent campaign through the metaphorical thicket found in his ideas, a compelling Gouldian model for a philosophy of music unfolds. Gould argues that music is not only a reflection of social dynamics, but could also be a tool for the betterment of society. The original methodology conceived and implemented in this study contributes an important design for subsequent historical/philosophical studies, particularly in music education.

Author Biography: Elizabeth Angliette (Ph.D., New York University) has done musical and academic studies with Nadia Boulanger in France and at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and the Manhattan School of Music. She has pursued parallel careers as a musician, educator, and researcher.

SYNOPSIS

Angilette, who has systematically studied the books written by the legendary pianist Glenn Gould, connects his ideas to those of other existing philosophies of music, music education, and sociological aspects of those disciplines. Juxtaposing historical and philosophical methods, she clarifies and interprets Gould's writings through philosophical analysis. In the process, one sees past the aura of eccentricity that surrounded him into the psychological and moral ideas that led to his decision to abandon live performance, and gains insight into the unique ideas he put forth and carried through in his own artistic life. Reprint of the 1992 edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Choice

...thorough and systematic study...unique in its subject treatment..

Australian Journal Of Music Education

...a stimulating—at times provocative—insight into Gould...an extremely insightful undertaking, which alone makes the book a must for musicians and music educators..

Library Journal

A veil of mystique has long enveloped pianist Gould (1932-82) because of his disdain for conventional avenues of creativity and expression. Angilette manages to explicate him through this penetrating study. She shows how Gould was drawn to technology and why he touted the electronic age. He sought a purer existence as a musician, Angilette posits, and regarded technology as a means for unfettered endeavors. She includes an overview of important music philosophies for comparison and delves into Gould's intellectual thought to reveal his unique philosophy. Angilette has written an enlightening book that will lift the veil covering this man of high ideals, who methodically strove through his interpretation toward a realization of what he perceived as a better world.-- Kathleen Sparkman, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.

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