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Chopin and His Europe - Warsaw Invites the World
Celebrating its 20th anniversary the festival “Chopin and His Europe” included the thematic title “And the Rest of the World”, featuring world-renowned pianists and international and national top ensembles and orchestras. As usual the event explored Chopin's music through diverse perspectives, spanning four centuries of repertoire. Piano Street presents a selection of concerts videos including an interview with the festival’s founder, Chopin Institute’s Stanislaw Leszczynski. Read more >>

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Topic: Gould's hum in his recordings (Read 3828 times)

ssanderz9

Newbie
Posts: 2

Gould's hum in his recordings

on: August 21, 2016, 05:57:15 PM

Hello, I'm new to pianostreet.

I like Gould's recordings of Bach and I know that he hummed when he played.

I just love Gould's hum in his recordings, especially his recording of Goldberg Variations.

...perhaps there's someone else who also likes Gould's humming?

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arda152

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 21

Re: Gould's hum in his recordings

Reply #1 on: August 22, 2016, 08:59:07 AM

When I first discovered what he was doing, I must admit I was shocked. However, after reading through many reviews of his recordings, I came to the conclusion that the hum was just a personal mark on the recording. It's like: "If you miss my voice after I die, you can find it here..." kind of thing.
If you want to remove it, you can buy a Glenn Gould De-Vocalizer". YES. That's real. https://www.davegrossman.net/gould/

I personally like breathing sounds more. If you listen closely, Richter's WTC has a few of them. It is a really different feeling when you hear Richter taking a deep breath. It is also some good advice, because when you can control your breathing during performance, you can get better results with the phrasing etc., so check that out too

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adodd81802

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 1114

Re: Gould's hum in his recordings

Reply #2 on: August 22, 2016, 11:22:37 AM

The hum adds a personal touch which is fair enough. I don't have an issue with it but I don't think it was appropriate.

The guy was very much a marmite pianist and while I do like his performances, it's like the nostalgia of seeing an actor in real life and thinking they're going to be anything like the part they played. He had issues and was very set in his ways and insulted composers and music that was not to his taste.

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"England is a country of pianos, they are everywhere."

thirtytwo2020

Full Member
Posts: 128

Re: Gould's hum in his recordings

Reply #3 on: August 22, 2016, 12:34:05 PM

Marmite pianist!!

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13541148

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ssanderz9

Newbie
Posts: 2

Re: Gould's hum in his recordings

Reply #4 on: September 09, 2016, 11:07:35 AM

Thanks for all your replies and the recommendation of Richter's WTC.

I like the breathing sound as well. ...I'm not so good with the phrasing.

Actually my teacher told me to sing along with the music in my mind when I play. So I think that Gould's humming is interesting since it is kind of similar with what I was told to do.

And I searched for the meaning of MARMITE PIANIST. I personally agree that it perhaps best describes Gould.

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