I suppose it might be a bit late to ask him… But nevertheless: could Glenn Gould please just shut. the. fuck. up.
Glen: we know you’re a bloody genius, and you do temper that clavier mighty well indeed. But seriously: ENOUGH WITH THE HUMING ALREADY. It is driving me batshit crazy (not that I need much these days).
Thanks.
Ok, as a Canadian and a Glenn Gould fan I’m not really upset because you know what? That humming drives me crazy and its worse on some songs than others. Glenn’s childhood home is actually about three miles away from my home which is kind of cool (Beaches area in Toronto FYI). Read up on Glenn, he was the textbook case for not-ready-for-the-real-world genius (eating habits, clothing, chair for playing etc.).
Also you should check out this link. The website was designed for those who hate the humming. Its home to the The Glenn Gould De-Vocalizer 2000. unpronounceable.com/gould/
Yes, I know about Gould’s little “idiosyncrasies” (mother of all euphemisms)… Still, the humming is really the only part I can’t stand.
Thanks for your link, I think I may have to purchase a Glenn Gould De-Vocalizer 2000.
Funny thing is, they also mention Keith Jarrett on that page: when I wrote that post, I thought about his equally characteristic humming habit and realized it didn’t bother me anywhere near as much. Really not sure why (it isn’t particularly harmonious either), but, for example, I have come to really like the small yelps and hums in the Koln recording… Must be a matter of music played.