Gould/Schumann Piano Quartet 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, 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 ; 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