This is Glenn Gould, the greatest player of Bach. I should (everyone should!) listen every day but don't always. Although I have been listening to him playing Beethoven's piano sonata no 16 on repeat. I like the (possibly apochryphal) story of The Voyager 1 space probe; when deciding what to send out from Earth: ‘included in this missive from humanity to whoever or whatever is out there is a record containing, among other things, music by Bach. (When the astronomer Carl Sagan was canvassing opinions back in 1977 on what should be included on the record, the biologist Lewis Thomas responded that it should contain Bach’s complete works. He then added: “But that would be showing off.”)’
They did include a recording of Glenn Gould playing The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 870 (Johann Sebastian Bach)"
My friend Gloria first introduced me to Glenn Gould’s music over 30 years ago and as she says he divests music of all sentimentality and maudlin-ness. Exactly. And also explains why he never played Chopin, ‘for one can't do so without a good measure of slush’.
The last thing I want to listen to, and particularly when ill, is anything infused with mawkishness and sentimentality. Glenn Gould playing Bach has beauty and brilliance and is celebral without any unnecessary heartstring tugging.
The same with painting. Here are some beautiful pictures by another abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko:
I am continuing to struggle with using oils but I'm determined to produce something so I'm keeping going. Watch this space!
There is nothing happening with Papworth which is an ongoing frustration. Thanks to Bach and Glenn Gould and all the art there are at least things to wonder at.
I had my tulip bulbs delivered this week and to contradict everything else I've gone for the 'romantic' ones; Blackberry Smoke, Pale Peony Flowered and Pale Tulip collection. Something to look forward to in the spring.