17 Jul '08 16:22>
I got a question that's a little obscure, probably.
In 1962 Leonard Bernstein conducted a performance of the Brahms D Minor Piano Concerto with Glenn Gould as the soloist.
Gould insisted on an interpretation that Bernstein for various reasons found really far out. So Bernstein went out on stage before the performance and made a short, humorous speech in the nature of disclaiming responsibility for the way the piece was going to be played.
Then Gould proceeded to play the first movement at half the indicated tempo in Brahms' score. He also changed the dynamic indications and so this interpretation never was played again, insofar as I know.
An attempt to get Gould to record this with Bernstein fell through, but the live performance with the opening speech and a subsequent interview with Gould a year or so later has been issued on CD.
My question is: I have heard this performance referred to as "infamous."
Why? Where can I find material characterizing it as such?
The recording is unusual and the piece comes in at 55 minutes -- there is a lot of great music in the piece. I would not describe it, however, as a great concerto. It is more akin to a symphony with piano.
In 1962 Leonard Bernstein conducted a performance of the Brahms D Minor Piano Concerto with Glenn Gould as the soloist.
Gould insisted on an interpretation that Bernstein for various reasons found really far out. So Bernstein went out on stage before the performance and made a short, humorous speech in the nature of disclaiming responsibility for the way the piece was going to be played.
Then Gould proceeded to play the first movement at half the indicated tempo in Brahms' score. He also changed the dynamic indications and so this interpretation never was played again, insofar as I know.
An attempt to get Gould to record this with Bernstein fell through, but the live performance with the opening speech and a subsequent interview with Gould a year or so later has been issued on CD.
My question is: I have heard this performance referred to as "infamous."
Why? Where can I find material characterizing it as such?
The recording is unusual and the piece comes in at 55 minutes -- there is a lot of great music in the piece. I would not describe it, however, as a great concerto. It is more akin to a symphony with piano.