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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Pollini is very much better, but as ever it's very interesting Sep 29, 2008
As ever Gould doesn't follow the score... the clear and accurate indications of tempi, of agoge and dynamics, the sudden changes from pianissimo to fortissimo and vice-versa (there are here few fortissimos instead, and more in the bass range), the sudden rhythmic changes. The pace in general is too slow, the entire work lacks energy, strength, complexity, velocity, vivacity... precision. It's a rendition deep and dark as one can think expressionism should be. But however has an intensity unbelievable. It's a great experience. A great experience itself and in comparison with the Schoenberg work as it should be. It's an other beautiful work completely different. (Maybe I exaggerated, but the substance is that). The recording is beautiful (beautiful piano sound).
This review refers to the Schoenberg piano work, in the first cd.
P.S. Even though the Pollini pianissimo (as many people know) are just a little too much pianissimo...
15 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 Mr. Gould: the Genius of Recorded Music! Jan 30, 2005
Gould was playing Schoenberg in the 1950s--just shortly after the composer's death. He realizes the Op. 11 pieces in a very late-Brahmsian manner, in keeping with his gestalt of turn-of-the-century Modern music, viz., Brahms, Strauss, Scriabin, Schoenberg, Hindemith, et al.
The Op. 25 Suite is an exquisite refraction of a Bach French Suite--but done in Schoenberg's 12-tone form. Here Gould plays Schoenberg as he does Bach!
Gould's realization of Schoenberg's Piano Concerto is very secco (dry), and intentionally miked very closely: i.e., the recording was made with microphones placed close to the performers, rather than way back out in the audience area of a hall. This was Gould's idea, and the results are outstanding: the best Schoenberg Piano Concerto available--pace, Uchida and Brendel, et al.
Gould's Pierrot is his first attempt at conducting, and one wishes he had completed it and done more. In the end, Gould conducted Wagner's Siegfried Idyll with outstanding results.
This is a great set.
11 of 15 found the following review helpful:
The definitive interpretation of Schoenberg piano works Dec 27, 2003
While other pianists dabbled at these fine pieces, none other than Glenn Gould provides the definitive interpretation of Schoenberg's piano works. Thoroughly studied, Gould presents the serialism clearly and presents the dimensions of the revolutionary works.By detaching yourself from the tonality of traditional tonal music, and immersing in the world of Schoenberg, the shape and lines of the music will gradually become clear. Gould is perhaps the greatest advocate and messenger of Schoenberg's distinct language.
8 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Keep listening Sep 13, 2000
These are difficult pieces for me. They require concentrated listening, and challenge my understanding of music. Sometimes, I don't like what I hear, and other times, it's just too much work to listen to very much of this. However, when I am able to devote some time to listening with an understanding mind, I am amply rewarded. I have listened to this CD for several years and I will probably never understand this music. I do enjoy listening and learning from it, though. I am thankful that someone as talented as Glenn Gould has interpreted these pieces. If you are interested in one of the most important composers of the twentieth century, or one of the greatest legends of the keyboard, this CD will interest you. To paraphrase what Moby wrote on his CD, Animal Rights, "Please listen to this CD completely at least once."
16 of 18 found the following review helpful:
The "least dry" Schoenberg ever Nov 09, 1999
I believe wholeheartedly that, for the uninitiated, this disc is difficult to truly appreciate without having heard other pianists attempt these pieces (e.g., Pollini). To enjoy listening to Schoenberg necessitates a certain familiarity with prolonged "dissonance", just like strong coffee or unfiltered beer--it takes some getting used to. If you're already there, it's not "dissonant", it's "music" (just like other alternate melodic conceptions-raga, gamelan, mbira, partch, etc.), and Gould's passionate readings here display his love for and understanding of the music's heart. Go Glenn.
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