Gould/Schumann Piano Quartet op.47 w/Juilliard String Quartet

Of all chamber music works that Gould recorded none is more controversial than the Schumann Quartet for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello in E-flat major, op.47 recorded in New York on May 9 & 10/1968. Gould himself admitted that in the course of this recording an ever deepening and finally irreperable 'rift' developed between himself and the three members of the Juilliard Quartet. Despite this historical friction, Gould and the Juilliard Quartet made amazing music together. Their Schumann Quartet is dramatic, boisterous, yet also in places lyrical, with a gentle tone from both the strings and piano. Some of this music was played quite fast, and Gould’s precise pianistic capabilities give this work great flamboyance and excitement.
This is the only Schumann work Gould ever played. Columbia planned and hoped that he would also perform the Quintet op.34; however it did not materialize; Bernstein was the pianist for the flip side of the record.

I. Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo 8'57"
II. Scherzo Molto Vivace Trio I - Trio II 3'37"
III. Andante cantabile 7'57"
IV. Finale. Vivace 6'59"

Members of the Juilliard String Quartet
Robert Mann, Violin
Raphael Hillyer, Viola
Claus Adam, Cello

[lolamagnanini]

As creatures we need a surplus of humanity in order to rejoice in life and not to be overwheld by it.and this music is an instrument of elevation.thanks for sharing!

[galeritaelenora]

I have heard this piece performed many times by various ensembles. This is by far the epitome. So precise, well-balanced and pure. Exquisite editing!

[galeritaelenora]

In addition to the good comments, above, I remember reading (somewhere) Gould talking to an interviewer who remarked on the controversy and the differences that Gould and the Quartet experienced. Which Glenn freely admitted. Yet, the final recording is an interpretation in line with Gould's practices. Glenn smiled and said "Well yes. I edit my own recordings." As he did with the Schwartzkoff recording.

[jamescain]

Thankfully there are now many performances of this remarkably haunting quartet.. Gould is not a chamber 23:20 7musician.. He overemphasized the piano’s role rather than blend with the strings .

[glenngouldschair]

Columbia Records: Glenn, play quartet and quintet.
Glenn: I played a 4 part Schumann already! You have to make things worse by making a 5 part!

[jeremyberman]

Columbia could've easily paired the Julliard quartet with a pianist who was interested in working together with them. For instance, Rudolf Serkin had recorded the piano quintet with the Budapest Quartet. Chamber music is supposed to be a conversation, a collaboration. Why did Columbia allow him to have editing rights when there were three other excellent musicians involved?

[marcustulliuscicero]

Gould's humming is so annoying. Thankfully it's not as loud as in some other recordings, but Christ, I don't get why others let him get away with this absolutely ridiculous habit that completely ruins recordings.