J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in C Sharp Minor

Johann Sebastian Bach is sometimes described as the god of music. It's ironic that he felt that he would soon be forgotten; a mere footnote in musical history. As he grew old his sons' music became more and more fashionable and the interest in his complex pieces declined. It is in fugue that J.S. Bach excelled. This word comes from the Latin meaning flight. Fugues were originally vocal pieces and thus are split into lines or voices. Each line is a song and the melodies blend to form a musically harmonious whole. It is a very learned form of music and in less able hands can often be as dry as dust. But in J.S. Bach's hands the music is a volcano of passion and emotion. When listening to the fugal themes of lesser composers he would often predict to his companions which compositional devices would be used. As one by one these predictions came true he would nudge his friends with a broad grin on his face.

Orlando Gibbons - Allemande ( Italian Ground )

To continue my Gould series, here is his favourite composer, the English virginalist Orlando Gibbons. I intend to have this played as my bride comes down the aisle, should I ever get married. Only the best for my intended. She'll probably want to play Robbie Williams knowing my luck!

Schoenberg Phantasy for Violin and Piano

Unsympathetic playing by Menuhin but real love and understanding by Gould.

The 'Sunlight' Sonata

Glenn Gould was an iconoclast. A truly original, powerful and independent thinker. Today many a classical music fan spits blood at the mention of his name. He started out on a fairly normal career as a concert pianist albeit with phenomenal hand speed and accuracy. Eventually though he turned his back on the concert hall and devoted himself entirely to recording. One of his famous collaborations was with Yehudi Menuhin. They played J.S. Bach, Beethoven and Schoenberg. He died of a stroke aged only 50 and a single man.