Ben Laude: "I got obsessed with how he was playing it"

Variations 10, 11, 12. It's impossible to tell the story of the Goldberg Variations without mentioning Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. Gould's two recordings of the variations, one in 1955, the other in 1981, forever changed the place of the Goldbergs in our culture. In this episode, we explore Gould's legacy -- and the idea of musical idols -- through the eyes of Ben Laude, a concert pianist and pedagogue who relied on Gould in a period of musical crisis. Photo credit: Rebecca Blair.

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“30 Bach” explores one of the most profound pieces of music ever written: J.S. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” Although the piece is over 280 years old, it continues to capture the imaginations of musicians and listeners alike. Through interviews with leading musicians as well as with devoted listeners, the podcast explores why the work is so meaningful to so many and explores the diverse and profound ways that listeners relate to the piece.