That same combination of flamboyance and aesthetic rigor may be found in this collection of Gould's writings, which covers composers from Bach to Terry Riley, performers from Arthur Rubinstein to Petula Clark, and yields unfettered and often heretical opinions on music competitions, the limitations of live audiences, and the relationship between technology and art. Witty, emphatic, and finely honed, The Glenn Gould Reader presents its author in all his guises as an impassioned artist, an omnivorous listener, and an astute and deeply knowledgeable critic.The Glenn Gould Reader abounds with the literary voice of one of the most extraordinary musical talents of our time. Whether Gould's subject is Boulez, Stokowski, Streisand, or his own highly individual thoughts on the performance and creation of music, the reader will be caught up in his intensity, intelligence, passion and devotion. For those who never knew him, this book will be a particular treasure as a companion to his recordings and as the delicious discovery of a new friend.

    This is the story of a self-described "brash young man from Brooklyn" who went on to become a founding father of "serious" American music with works that include "Appalachian Spring, " "Lincoln Portrait, " the movie scores for "Of Mice and Men" and "Our Town, " and numerous orchestral and chamber works. The book charts his early years.The celebrations marking Aaron Copland's centenary will include numerous musical festivals such as the Tanglewood Festival, The New York City Opera, the American Musical Festival, The Library of Congress, and more.