September 25, 1932 was a day unlike other days for on that date Canada's greatest pianist, author, thinker and philosopher was born. The ramifications of this birth are well chronicled in hundreds of recordings and writings that are eagerly sought out by a "hungry" public. In the quietness of livingrooms and dens the Gould music and thought brings new dimensions to lives and feelings. Just as something is stirred within the artistic soul so something is stirred within each one who has come in contact with him that demands he know more of the man himself.
Who was Glenn Gould?
As Glenn's cousin and closest confidant there is much I could write or relate but that would be betraying the trust of friendship, a gift that I will treasure as one would treasure a precious jewel. Because I was so entrusted I must deal with only my own feelings and recollections that will in no way disclose the part of Glenn that might make him vulnerable to the general public.
My friendship began when Glenn was thirteen years old and I went to stay at the Gould home in Toronto to further my own education. At this time Glenn encountered the first rivalry of his early years. He had not experienced the give and take of brothers and sisters since he was an only child, and he often mentioned in later years that there had been jelousy on his part. However, this "meddlin-country-cuzin" as I became known as, soon became a friend and cohort with whom he could relax, tease and laugh, discuss and rely on for support and encouragement. Many times he recounted the antics of that first year and said that it was the happiest one of his whole life. Those are words I cherish!
I have always been grateful for the time spent in the Gould home, for it gave me an opportunity to get to know this giant of a man who was such a warm and gentle human being. Imagine, if you will, falling asleep to the strains of Mendelssohn, Brahms, or Bach. Even in those early years Glenn played well into the night.
As a young teenager he demanded love and affection from both his parents and happily received it at his mother's knee, where, after long hours of practice he would lay his head and demand "pats" as one would give a dog. These pats were a reward for a day well spent and a fulfillment of his great need for love and acceptance. His mother, his only teacher in the early years, was wonderfully wise in dealing with him and in providing the atmoshpere best suited to his needs. Every opportunity was given to him to hear the best music that the city of Toronto could provide. Glenn was never exploited, never pushed to the forefront and allowed to move into musical circles when he felt ready. What excellent control they exhibited in all areas of his education! It would have been so easy to do otherwise.
School for Glenn was a place to be tolerated only as a step to the need for future knowledge. Much has been written and spoken on this subject but everyone including Glenn, has neglected to say that there were at least two teachers who in small measure challenged him and for whom he had affection. He only admitted this to me the last year of his life when I myself was retiring from the teaching profession and pondering my accomplishments. Perhaps he wished to encourage me. He was like that!
Over the years Glenn and I became closer and the phone calls became almost daily. They even followed me to my summer retreats. Many have wondered about what we spoke during these lengthy, numerous conversations. Every topic imaginable was covered, all aspects of life were discussed, science, technology, music, philosophy, education, world situations and even his current and future projects. One time he was preparing a reading for the CBC and over the course of two lengthy conversations he read me the whole of his favorite book The Three-Cornered World by Natsume Soseki. Sometimes our discussions were deep and serious and other evenings it was just light-hearted banter between two friends who knew and respected one another, Perhaps these hours served as a buffer and a release from the pressures of a world that seemed intent at breaking down the wall of isolation that he had so studiously constructed over many years. Whatever purpose was served, we both could go out the following day into our own spheres and do whatever had to be done having been refreshed from the interchange of ideas that had gone on between us.
Glenn had a deep interest in my work and about how I was trying to challenge the children. Often he proffered advice and suggestions that certainly enhanced my career. Possibly for him it bridged the gap between his world and mine. Who will ever really know?
After his mother's death in 1975 he made numerous visits to Oshawa and my apartment. Here he would curl up on the chesterfield in his stocking feet and while I served five or so pots of tea he would relate numerous anecdotes, play guessing games, catch up on family news and through his word pictures draw me into a world of minds far beyond my comprehension. During these times he accepted me as an equal, never demeaning or holier than thou. It was his lack of conceit that endeared him to me and made me try to reach up and attain the level on which he moved and lived and worked. For me this was impossible, but he firmly believed "a man's reach should exceed his grasp"(Browning) and he respected me for trying.
Glenn in his last years made several holiday sorties out of the country and each time returned earlier than anticipated. Of course he had been lonely but it was a loneliness of choice. Those of us who knew and loved him would have done anything in our power to erase this feeling, but that was impossible. He was restless and perhaps it was his work that called him...so much to be accomplished, new avenues to explore, new fields to conquer... new...new...new...on and on. We will never know.
Glenn Gould was for me, at least, a decent, thoughtful, caring man who gave too much of himself to the world until exhausted he at last gave up his life to a massive stroke at the age of fifty years. On October 4, 1982 I lost my beloved cousin and dearest friend.
Glenn, I salute you for what you did for me and for the world of music. Thank you for everything,