Glenn Gould (1932–1982) was a prodigy who loathed the word, a brilliant pianist who disliked performing, and a public figure who craved solitude. With his recording of the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach, Gould became an international celebrity.

Gould's unusual interpretations, quirky stage mannerisms, and teasingly contrarian pronouncements fascinated and annoyed audiences and critics. He gave concerts in Canada, the United States, and abroad for several years. To everyone's disbelief, he quit the concert stage just a few months short of his thirty-second birthday and immersed himself in his true love: the recording studio.

from www.dundurn.com/books/glenn_gould

Vladimir Konieczny is a freelance writer and a professional saxophone and bassoon player. He first heard Glenn Gould on the CBC during his teens, and he has remained a lifelong fan. The author of the children’s title Struggling for Perfection: The Story of Glenn Gould, he lives on Pender Island, British Columbia.