Glenn Gould - The Russian Journey

Rating:
Summary: Pure Inspiration From A Musician From Another Realm!
Review: I am a Pianist/Composer who has been teaching piano as my full time profession for well over 23 years, so needless to say, music and the piano is a huge part of my life.

Though I must admit that was not a big fan of Gould's before seeing this DVD, I am a fan now! Though there's much about his approach to playing that isn't always my cup of tea, nor do I appreciate his attitude toward's Mozart (of whom he said something to the effect that "Mozart was a very bad composer who died to old rather than too young" which I thought was uncalled for, not only from a musical standpoint but as a human being).

Still, after seeing this documentary about his Russian trip one can't help but be taken in by his pure musical and emotional intensity, humanity, courage (in terms of boldly exposing his fellow musicians in the Soviet Union to music that was forbidden by the Government) and by his unbelievable playing as well.

In fact, I was completely mesmerized by his playing on this DVD. In spite of my previous feelings about Gould's playing, I put aside any prejudices I had previous to seeing this DVD and I was swept away by what I heard.

Beyond the musical side, you could see the sincere bond he made with the Russian people that he came into contact with, the real friendships that were forged (which were ongoing after his trip) and the way he inspired his fellow musicians. Music once again transcended all boundaries and he was a masterful musician.!

I was also impressed by the way he spoke out (on his Television Program) against the oppressive way the Soviet musicians were treated.

I can't say enough good things about this, all I can say is that this is a program I will watch over and over again for inspiration both as a musician but more importantly for inspiration as a human being.

Rating:
Summary: In a word: essential!
Review: Essential for Gould fanatics, among whose numbers I proudly count myself, but recommended for those who enjoy attempts to expose the phenomenon of genius, in any form. I have read about the Russians' response to Gould's visit, the first visit by any Western pianist after the advent of the Cold War, but to watch Russian audiences embrace him, in all his idiosyncratic splendor, was a beautiful thing, as was his acceptance of their approval. All of Gould's behavioral hit parade is on display: the hunching, the humming, the conducting hands, as well as his mufflered, mittened, behatted self. Western critics decried such tics, and were endlessly inventive in finding ways to say "weird" in more journalistic, less pedestrian terms, but the Russians apparently understood that such genius (again, I use the word, there is nothing else for it) does not invite explanation, only wonder, and accepted him without question. Bittersweet, however, were the reminiscences of those who knew him, watched him develop, accompanied him during the trip (in particular, his Russian translator and his longtime manager)--none of whom truly embodied the word "elderly" at the time of taping--because it raises the question of why he died when he was only 50... not the physiological determinants of his demise, but rather the reason we were deprived of him so early. One caution, however: ignore the absurd re-enactments, which feature a brooding Gould lookalike loping along the Moscow streets. Historic in nature, illuminating in scope, this DVD is a must.

Rating:
Summary: An Inspiring Documentary !
Review: I would like to address some things written by the reviewer below which are inconsistent. BLee "bpslee", claimed: "Glenn Gould went there at the nip of time: they were lost in artistical values then and he was the first American musician to perform there at a time when public performance of Bach was forbidden." Firstly, Glenn Gould is not American he is Canadian. Secondly, to suggest that simply since Gould went there at a critical time is the reason he was well received is certainly not true-- BLee "bpslee" went on to state: "Moreover, Russia was so receptive of artists of real talent and of novel things and ideas from outside." Gould was much more than another artist, they thought his genius was so profound with his inhuman timing, Godly trills, and an ability to sing and pronounce voices with unbelievable clarity that on the documentary one sees several prominent professors and pianists claiming they thought he was an alien. This idea of convenient timing and the sharing of unknown composers is simply a negligible fraction of his success.

Throughout the video top musicians like Ashkenazy, and Rostropovich constantly praise him as a genius. They're pictures with Richter and Nikoleyva who were absolutely enchanted by his performance; he had lengthy discussions with the latter. These people's admiration isn't easily gained, and one gets and immediate realization of the utter amazement they had for Gould through various interviews.

I will never forget this video and I think it's a profound documentary. I believe its purpose is to try and place you in the feeling and emotion of the Russian voyage, to gain a multilateral aspect of the times and the power of Gould's visit. Regardless of time or place in history Gould will remain unique and be a favorite Bach interpreter for centuries to come. I can only imagine what it must have been like to hear Bach's Concerto BWV 1052 resonating throughout the halls of Leningrad Conservatory 1957.

A beautiful story ...


Rating:
Summary: Indispensable for Gould's Fans & A Good Documentary Anyway
Review: This is more a video book than anything else, as there isn't much music here: only a few clips each with only a few phrases. The documentary is seen more from a Russian point of view. Quite right. Glenn Gould went there at the nip of time: they were lost in artistical values then and he was the first American musician to perform there at a time when public performance of Bach was forbidden. Moreover, Russia was so receptive of artists of real talent and of novel things and ideas from outside. Glenn Gould was deservingly a hero in Russia, having made an enormous impact that is still very much alive even today.

In this DVD, we have some clips of Glenn Gould wandering alone in the streets of Russia, perhaps as his translator said, to take in the beauty of the city; and also a depiction of his hotel room in the ambassy plus the concert halls that he performed. Other than that, we have a lot of reviews and comments from the Russian intellectuals who attended his recitals/concerts, including some comments from top Russian musicians like Nikolayeva and even Richter (the latter actually showed up in greeting him), though his comment came only through the mouth of Rosptropovich.

Yes, as a documentary this DVD is interesting enough particularly if you have been to Moscow and St Petersburg before. Glenn Gould was then so young and somuch more vogorous. His interaction withthe camera was very natural too. But if you are looking for music or in-depth analysis , this may not be for you.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensable for Gould's Fans & A Good Documentary Anyway
Review: This is more a video book than anything else, as there isn't much music here: only a few clips each with only a few phrases. The documentary is seen more from a Russian point of view. Quite right. Glenn Gould went there at the nip of time: they were lost in artistical values then and he was the first American musician to perform there at a time when public performance of Bach was forbidden. Moreover, Russia was so receptive of artists of real talent and of novel things and ideas from outside. Glenn Gould was deservingly a hero in Russia, having made an enormous impact that is still very much alive even today.

In this DVD, we have some clips of Glenn Gould wandering alone in the streets of Russia, perhaps as his translator said, to take in the beauty of the city; and also a depiction of his hotel room in the ambassy plus the concert halls that he performed. Other than that, we have a lot of reviews and comments from the Russian intellectuals who attended his recitals/concerts, including some comments from top Russian musicians like Nikolayeva and even Richter (the latter actually showed up in greeting him), though his comment came only through the mouth of Rosptropovich.

Yes, as a documentary this DVD is interesting enough particularly if you have been to Moscow and St Petersburg before. Glenn Gould was then so young and somuch more vogorous. His interaction withthe camera was very natural too. But if you are looking for music or in-depth analysis , this may not be for you.