"Glenn Gould (1932-1982) was a prodigy who loathed the word, a brilliant concert pianist who disliked performing, and a public figure who craved solitude. With his recording of the Goldberg Variations by J. S. Bach, Gould captured the public's imagination. From then on his name would be forever linked with that of the Old Master." "In 1957, Gould was the first Canadian musician and first North American pianist to perform in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Russian audiences gasped in admiration of his interpretations of Bach, his graceful technique, his relentless energy and rhythmic, almost dance-like playing. He introduced them to music by contemporary composers, music from the West forbidden to them. They applauded madly and showered the stage with flowers." "The International Year of Glenn Gould began on September 25, 2007, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death. The year of celebrations was planned to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Gould's performances in the Soviet Union and the seventy-fifth anniversary of his birth."--BOOK JACKET.