The Gould Standard

The Glenn Gould Foundation

A conversational podcast about the arts, culture, and contemporary society. We talk with artistic heroes working to create a more inclusive and mindful world, hear their incredible stories, and get to know what makes them tick. Our featured guests are leaders in a wide range of fields, nationalities, and lived experience, including musical composers and performers, painters, poets, filmmakers, actors, dancers, broadcasters, and more. read less

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Cécile McLorin Salvant - Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)

Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity, and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. In this revealing conversation, Cécile unveils her musical roots stemming from her Haitian father, French mother, and choir experiences in Miami, later deepening her musical studies in France, where she was originally immersed in classical and baroque music. Following her first prize win at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cécile embarked on a voyage into the jazz milieu. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions, and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with profundity, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal. Cécile McLorin Salvant: Official Website: https://www.cecilemclorinsalvant.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cecilemclorinsalvantInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilemclorinsalvantTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF Website: https://www.glenngould.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenngouldfdnYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GlennGouldFoundationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennGouldFoundationX: https://twitter.com/glenngouldfdn

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)

Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity, and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. In this revealing conversation, Cécile unveils her musical roots stemming from her Haitian father, French mother, and choir experiences in Miami, later deepening her musical studies in France, where she was originally immersed in classical and baroque music. Following her first prize win at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cécile embarked on a voyage into the jazz milieu. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions, and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with profundity, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal. Cécile McLorin Salvant: Official Website: https://www.cecilemclorinsalvant.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cecilemclorinsalvantInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilemclorinsalvantTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF Website: https://www.glenngould.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenngouldfdnYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GlennGouldFoundationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennGouldFoundationX: https://twitter.com/glenngouldfdn

Neil Gaiman - "I Had To Let It Matter Too Much" (Part 2 of 2)

Neil Gaiman - "I Had To Let It Matter Too Much" (Part 2 of 2)

In the second instalment of The Gould Standard’s sweeping conversation with the best-selling author Neil Gaiman, we venture deeper into his extraordinary literary odyssey, navigating the fine line between artistry and entertainment. Neil shares insights into the unexpected and profound connections his creations, especially the “Sandman” and “American Gods,” have forged between him and his readers. He unveils the magic of his creative process, an alchemical blend of multi-dimensional elements that fuels his storytelling. Neil takes a stand against the rising tide of book censorship, highlighting the indispensable role of libraries as gateways to a tapestry of ideas and inner worlds. He champions literature’s ability to ignite minds and spur critical thinking, all while paying a vibrant tribute to the influential authors like Lord Dunsany, H.P. Lovecraft and Harlan Ellison, whose enduring impact continues to shape the world of literature and imagination.

Neil Gaiman - "It's Not Sad Bits That Make You Cry" (Part 1 of 2)

Neil Gaiman - "It's Not Sad Bits That Make You Cry" (Part 1 of 2)

Beloved author Neil Gaiman has earned an avid following the world over. Celebrated for his iconic works such as "American Gods," "Good Omens," and the beloved "Sandman" series, Gaiman joined us at the Gould Standard for a candid conversation, opening the door to his imaginative world, ranging from novels and short stories, comics and graphic novels, children’s books and non-fiction, and numerous adaptations for film and television. From sharing personal family anecdotes and early childhood influences to exploring his deep connections with mythology and folklore, Gaiman sheds light on the magic that makes his tales and storytelling so mesmerizing. “It’s not sad bits that make you cry. It’s the bits where you just sort of feel things that are too big to quite fit in your chest, so they come out through your eyes."

A. R. Rahman - The Compleat Musician Part 2

A. R. Rahman - The Compleat Musician Part 2

From his humble beginnings in Chennai, India, to becoming an international sensation, legendary musician AR Rahman shares his life story and his remarkable musical journey. In Part 2 of this exclusive podcast interview, we delve deeper into the extraordinary life and accomplishments of this multifaceted artist. Rahman reflects on his groundbreaking work composing the Oscar-winning score for the film Slumdog Millionaire, and offers his philosophical insights on music education and music-making, and the inspiring story of his visionary KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. Looking towards the future, Rahman shares his thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, the influence of technology on creativity, and provides glimpses into his latest musical endeavours. Link to Video Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKwRF9wvTHY&t=1591s A.R. Rahman: - A.R. Rahman's official website: https://www.arrahman.com/- KM Music Conservatory: https://www.kmmc.in/ - The Sunshine Orchestra: https://arrahmanfoundation.org/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HNGc8t9DlK5Bv7Wv2VpMZ- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/a-r-rahman/181719291- AllMusic: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ar-rahman-mn0000034174- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._R._Rahman The Glenn Gould Foundation: - Official GGF Website: https://www.glenngould.ca/thegouldstandard- Twitter: https://twitter.com/glenngouldfndn- Instagram: https://instagram.com/glenngouldfndn- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyeNcs2Ao31H8KOCvUyRn4Q- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGlennGouldFoundation- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glenn-gould-foundation

A. R. Rahman - The Compleat Musician Part 1

A. R. Rahman - The Compleat Musician Part 1

A.R. Rahman’s early life, marked by personal loss and perseverance, served as a catalyst for his musical genius and set the stage for his unparalleled success as one of the most beloved musicians of our time. At the age of nine, Rahman began supporting his family by playing the keyboard in orchestras and working as a session musician. Catching the attention of renowned Indian film directors, Rahman began scoring for cinema, and his soundtracks became massive hits. Since then, Rahman has scored over 150 films, has won multiple Oscars, Grammys, numerous other awards and has collaborated with talent across the globe including Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Involved with numerous charitable causes, in 2009 Rahman founded the Sunshine Orchestra, India’s first youth symphony for economically and socially disadvantaged children that receive free music education from his KM Music Conservatory. A.R. Rahman Links: A.R. Rahman’s official websiteSpotifyApple MusicAllMusicWikipedia The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

James Rhodes - Music is Vitamin C

James Rhodes - Music is Vitamin C

The Gould Standard welcomes back acclaimed pianist James Rhodes to once again share his profound insights on music and life. With refreshing honesty, Rhodes delves into the transformative power of music and its indelible impact on his own life journey, from trauma to triumph. James fearlessly discusses his mission to break down barriers and make classical music accessible to all, challenging conventions and igniting a newfound passion among a diverse generation of music enthusiasts. Elena Deslongchamps, app developer, joins the interview to introduce the new creativity enhancing app The Daily Muse, whose aim is to counter toxic on-line culture, and she discusses James’s influence on its creation. James Rhodes: WebsiteBiographyInstagramFacebookSpanish Newspaper ArticlesSpotifyApple Music The Glenn Gould Foundation: OfficialGGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Vraidden von Strykenbach: A Musical Journey of Redemption

Vraidden von Strykenbach: A Musical Journey of Redemption

Vraidden von Strykenbach is a self-taught composer and pianist, and a good friend of The Glenn Gould Foundation. His grandfather was a member of the Tahltan First Nation in British Columbia, and Vraidden experienced an abusive childhood and spent his teen years living with poverty, homelessness, trauma and despair. Meet this extraordinary man and artist, as he recounts how he discovered the power of music, taught himself to play and compose, and in so doing, transformed his life. Vraidden’s message of hope carries the powerful lesson that none of us is without value and each possesses the potential to bring beauty into the world, no matter how afflicted their situation. Vraidden von Strykenbach: YouTube ChannelTwitter The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Loreena McKennitt - The Explorer

Loreena McKennitt - The Explorer

Legendary musician Loreena McKennitt sat down with The Gould Standard to recount the journey for her illustrious career that has taken her from Morden, Manitoba to the far reaches of the globe. Known for her unique blend of Celtic, Middle Eastern, haunting melodies and poetic lyrics, she reveals her early inspirations and the vast array of cultures and musical traditions that have influenced her work over the years. McKennitt is not only a masterful storyteller and multi-instrumentalist but a music-biz whiz. She founded her own record label that allowed her to maintain creative control of her music and be involved in production, marketing and distribution of her albums. Loreena McKennitt: WebsiteWikipediaYouTubeInstagramAllMusicDiscogsSpotify The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Charles Palliser and the Power of Five

Charles Palliser and the Power of Five

Best-selling novelist Charles Palliser is best known for his debut novel, The Quincunx, a vast mystery set in Regency England that deftly combines Dickensian elements with contemporary techniques such as the use of unreliable narrators. Published in 1989, after 12 years of research and writing, this 800 page tour de force became an international best-seller. The Anglo-American Palliser was praised for his intricate plotting, vivid characters, and a portrayal of London in the early 19th century so shockingly realistic that Dickens wouldn’t have dared expose social conditions with such brutal honesty. Palliser has published four other successful novels including Betrayals, The Unburied and Rustication. Palliser’s newest novel Sufferance is projected for release near the end of 2023. Charles Palliser discusses his life, career and influences as a writer and educator. Charles Palliser: WikipediaPenguin Random HouseSimon and Schuster The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Cory Doctorow on Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech Monopolies Devoured the Arts and How to Fight Back

Cory Doctorow on Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech Monopolies Devoured the Arts and How to Fight Back

Award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist Cory Doctorow rallies the creative class against an ever-expanding industry of monopolies and monopsonies. Co-written by Australian scholar Rebecca Giblin, Chokepoint Capitalism unveils the tricks Big Tech and Big Content use to lock-in users and suppliers, eliminate competition, and extort creators and producers, and extract value so that artists can’t survive and audiences pay through the nose. Doctorow shares his thoughts on how we can recapture creative labor markets to make them fairer and more sustainable. Cory Doctorow: WebsiteTwitterWikipedia The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

As Glenn as Can Be: The Inner Life of a Brilliant Child

As Glenn as Can Be: The Inner Life of a Brilliant Child

This month we talk to acclaimed children’s author Sarah Ellis and Illustrator Nancy Vo, who made the life story of Glenn Gould accessible to a younger audience through their new children’s book, As Glenn as Can Be. Sarah Ellis is an acclaimed Canadian children’s author of over 20 books and has won numerous prizes, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. For “As Glenn as Can Be,” she teamed up with the talented artist Nancy Vo to bring to life the story of Gould’s childhood in Toronto during the 1930s, to present a moving portrait of a solitary, deeply creative child who experiences the world differently from his peers, and finds liberating solutions to his challenges through technology. Go behind the scenes and listen to the thought and process behind the beautiful illustrations and story of the book and discover musical easter eggs hidden in the pictures. As Glenn As Can Be: GoodreadsAmazonIndigo Sarah Ellis: WebsiteWikipediaGoodreadsScholastic Nancy Vo: WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube Channel

Wynton Marsalis and the Wisdom of Jazz

Wynton Marsalis and the Wisdom of Jazz

Legendary trumpeter, composer and educator Wynton Marsalis takes us on a journey through his early life and formative influences. He discusses his evolution into one of the most influential jazz musicians of our time, how he learned to love the pioneers of jazz, his triumphs as the director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, his experiences with classical music and how he brought all these elements together brilliantly in his own boundary-breaking compositions. Wynton Marsalis: WebsiteWikipediaJazz.orgTwitter The Glenn Gould Foundation: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Colm Feore: Inhabiting My Roles and Myself

Colm Feore: Inhabiting My Roles and Myself

The outstanding Canadian stage and film actor Colm Feore is among the most accomplished Shakespearean performers of our time, but has appeared as everything from a mad scientist (Gotham) to a Frost Giant of Jotunheim (Thor) and from German rocket scientist Werner von Braun (For All Mankind) to a Renaissance Pope (The Borgias). Colm shares fascinating insights into his remarkable career, including his preparation for this year’s Stratford production of Richard III, as well as his incandescent portrayal of Glenn Gould in Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould. COLM FEORE: IMDBWikipediaTwitter THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Kevin Bazzana: Beguilingly BeGouldian

Kevin Bazzana: Beguilingly BeGouldian

Kevin Bazzana is the world’s leading authority on Glenn Gould, and one of the most perceptive, wry and interesting commentators on music anywhere. The author of the Gould biography Wondrous Strange and the past editor of Glenn Gould Magazine, he joins us for an insightful conversation about Gould, his continuing impact on the arts, and the significance of his 90th birth anniversary. This is another special episode celebrating GlennGould@90. KEVIN BAZZANA: Penguin Random House PublicationsWikipediaCanadian Encyclopedia THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Gould's Glorious Goldbergs with Tim Page & Richard Einhorn

Gould's Glorious Goldbergs with Tim Page & Richard Einhorn

Glenn Gould was propelled to stardom by his 1955 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. After a lifetime of study and contemplation, and in anticipation of his 50th birthday, Gould decided to return for another trip to the summit of this musical Everest. His radical rethinking of the Goldbergs became a new masterpiece, admired by music-lovers around the world. It was also a valedictory statement: released on his 50th birthday, the album preceded the stroke that would end Gould’s life by a few days, a tragic bookend to a storied musical life. As Sony Classical releases a brand new 11-CD set of the complete 1981 Goldbergs session material, we talk with two consummate musical minds who were there with Gould during the creation of the recording: distinguished composer and producer Richard Einhorn, who was part of the production team, and Gould’s friend and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, Tim Page. Enjoy these amazing insights into Gould’s life and work as we revisit the birth of a legend in the annals of recording. RICHARD EINHORN: WebsiteIMDBWikipediaApple Music TIM PAGE: Pulitzer PrizeWikipediaTwitter THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

François Girard & Don McKellar: 32 Short Memories of a Film Classic

François Girard & Don McKellar: 32 Short Memories of a Film Classic

Join us for an inside look at the making of a Canadian film classic, Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould, which was shot 30 years ago. Renowned film, theatre and opera director François Girard is joined by actor, screenwriter and director Don McKellar as they reveal the creative process behind one of the most memorable and structurally daring works about a musician ever committed to film—their inimitable portrait of Glenn Gould. Listen to their conversation on why Glenn Gould continues to be a powerful artistic presence in their lives and imaginations, four decades after his death. This episode continues our series of GlennGould@90 podcasts celebrating the 90th anniversary of Gould’s birth in 2022. FRANÇOIS GIRARD: WebsiteIMDBWikipediaCanadian Film Encyclopedia DON MCKELLAR: IMDBWikipediaCanadian Film EncyclopediaTHE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Scaling the Heights with Gould’s Wall

Scaling the Heights with Gould’s Wall

New from Tapestry Opera, Gould’s Wall is a contemporary opera from Canadian composer Brian Current. This audacious work invokes Glenn Gould’s dizzying pursuit of artistic perfection, defying expectations as well as gravity by literally shifting the plane of reality from horizontal to vertical. Performed in The Royal Conservatory’s atrium, Gould’s Wall runs from August 4th to August 12th, 2022 in Toronto. We spoke with the team behind the opera about the historical wall, the creative process and its challenges, and Gould’s presence throughout the work. Featuring composer Brian Current, librettist Liza Balkan, director Philip Akin, and Tapestry Opera’s Artistic Director, Michael Hidetoshi Mori, this special conversation contemplates art in its highest forms. It is also the first in our new series of GlennGould@90 podcasts celebrating the 90th anniversary of Gould’s birth in 2022. TAPESTRY OPERA: Official WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTube Channel

Laurie Anderson & Bob Ezrin: An Encore

Laurie Anderson & Bob Ezrin: An Encore

In a special encore presentation, we’re highlighting one of our most popular episodes with Laurie Anderson and Bob Ezrin, originally published in February 2021. Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time—Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin—sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine. This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and, of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob’s remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives on our current moment, and plans for future collaboration. LAURIE ANDERSON: WebsiteTwitterWikipediaSpotify BOB EZRIN: WebsiteIMDBWikipediaSpotify THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Howard Shore: The Art of the Score

Howard Shore: The Art of the Score

In the annals of world cinema, a select group of artists—the composers of film music—have earned a special place of honour. Their work unlocks the inner emotions of films, builds suspense, and drives the action in masterpieces as well as mass market franchise features. In this select company, Howard Shore holds a unique position. His creations showcase immense psychological depth, and his stylistic range spans collaborations with directors such as David Cronenberg, Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton and Peter Jackson. Howard spoke with us about the four distinct careers he’s had over the past few decades. He was a member of pioneering Canadian jazz-rock fusion band Lighthouse, then the first Music Director at Saturday Night Live. He became a composer of serious concert works and, finally, wrote some of the most memorable music in film history. This conversation covers it all, including his ascent of that musical Everest: the many hours of unforgettable orchestral and choral music created for The Lord of the Rings. HOWARD SHORE: WebsiteIMDBWikipediaSpotify THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: Official GGF WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTube ChannelFacebookLinkedIn

Jordi Savall: Music's Greatest Time Traveller

Jordi Savall: Music's Greatest Time Traveller

Jordi Savall is the greatest living specialist in Early Music. As a conductor, composer, and viola de gamba player, he studies music pre-dating Bach, performed with its specific instruments and styles. Savall has placed his passionate stamp on a repertoire spanning 1,300 years and ranging across Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and the Americas. From rocking dance rhythms to sacred splendour, Savall makes the peoples of these distant times and cultures come alive again, sharing their joys and sorrows with us, and demonstrating that nothing human is ever beyond our empathy. In this rare conversation, the UNESCO Artist for Peace discusses his 50 years of bringing forgotten worlds to life.JORDI SAVALL: • Website • Music Label • Facebook • Instagram • WikipediaTHE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION: • Official Website • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube Channel • Facebook • GGF on LinkedIn