27th Nov 2010 7:00pm
Sallis Benney Theatre
Before his death in 1982 at the age of 50 Gould, the enigmatic and handsome Canadian pianist, had become one of the most striking figures in classical music with his interpretations of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. His style provoked mixed reactions, but his popularity soared. He was irrefutably odd, and had idiosyncratic demands – he preferred not to shake hands and he was hypersensitive to temperature, leading him to wrap up in winter hat, scarf and gloves whatever the season. He always performed from his custom made, low-slung piano chair, even when the seat had completely worn out.
The Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Raymont and Hozer’s documentary makes splendid use of a great range of archive material and explores Gould’s legacy, moving from his professional life to more intimate memories from family and friends in an attempt to get behind the myth. A man obsessed with his work, Gould was an impenetrable character to many but this is a fitting celebration of his progressive approach to music.
Tickets available from www.cine-city.co.uk/festival-2010/
