GLENN GOULD Glenn Herbert Gould was born on September 25, 1932 in Toronto. Throughout his life he became famous worldwide as a concert pianist, known equally for his talent and his eccentricities. At a very young age, Gould’s mother recognized that he had perfect pitch, and thus began teaching him piano. When he was ten, Gould began studies with Alberto Guerrero at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He passed the final Conservatory level at the age of twelve. A year later, at the age of thirteen, he passed the written theory exams. In 1947 he made his first solo performance. His first broadcasted recital was made for the CBC in 1950. Following his beginnings was mass critical and commercial recognition. In 1957, he became the first North American artist to play in the Soviet Union. Gould gave his last performance in 1964 at a Los Angeles theatre, and then abandoned and scorned the concert stage, trading it for years of studio recordings and sound experimentation. Beyond his skill as a musician, Gould was famous for his many idiosyncrasies. He had many specific performance needs and rituals, ranging from the height of his chair to the temperature of the hall or studio. He was an infamous insomniac, and was well known to be a hypochondriac. The character that Fiorito created in Dom was undoubtedly modeled on Gould. Their similarities are vast, from the neighborhood where Dom lives to the hypochondria the two share. The comparison is discussed at different points in the novel, often to Dom's irritation. In a conversation with his friend Buddy, Dom lets his distaste for Gould shine through. "'...Forgive the expression, pull a Gould.' 'What do you mean? Butcher a bit of Beethoven? Sue a piano tuner? Or wander around town in an overcoat and gloves in June?'" (page 56) - jack gross |  |
