GLENN GOULD AT WORK: Creative Lying

by Andrew Kazdin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 20, 1989

As Glenn Gould's record producer for a decade and a half, Kazdin had plenty of opportunity to come to know the idiosyncracies, both personal and professional, of the world's greatest interpreter of Bach's keyboard works. Happily, he is straightforward in detailing not only the satisfactions but also the frustrations of working with an artist who was secretive, egocentric, manipulative, and pretty much a pain in the legato. Kazdin tells his story with a balanced blend of admiration and righteous indignation. Gould's eccentric ways have long been discussed in musical circles; in fact, they contributed in some measure to his mystique. Here was a world-acclaimed pianist who for years refused to give concert performances, limiting himself to records. Here was a man whose personal life was so shrouded in mystery that he made J.D. Salinger seem like a publicity-hound. Here was an artist whose hypochondria made him soak his hands repeatedly in hot water and perform swathed in overcoat and muffler. Kazdin explores all these bizarre aspects of his subject's life, but goes on to delve more deeply into a psyche whose manifestations were often less charmingly offbeat. ""Devious"" hardly describes Gould's approach to life and to his relationships with those around him. He was frequently cold and ruthless, dropping longtime associates without a word of thanks. He was a master of what he himself called ""creative lying,"" attributing his often seemingly irrational actions to forces outside himself. It was, Kazdin speculates, an expression of his obsessive need to control what was to him the threatening world around him. He was obliged, it seems, always to feel he was ""winning"" When he finally dismissed Kazdin after 15 years, no explanation was offered. The author remains puzzled to this day. A constantly intriguing portrait, with a helpful discography appended.

Pub Date: Dec. 20, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1989

Categories: NONFICTION