This article discusses the role played by the concept of "North" in Glenn Gould's musical thought. In Gould's writings and interviews, the meaning of the "North" is twofold:
( 1) The concept refers to musical phenomena and qualities (counterpoint, non-virtuosity, sonic austerity) which were important for Gould's value judgments of music; (2) Gould used the concept as a metaphor, enabling him to bring together the ideas of isolation, the use of technology to creatively "opt-out," and the notion of non-competition into a coherent aesthetic and ethical perspective. Through a study of Gould's written documents, the concept of "North" will be examined to establish a hermeneutic framework within which to better appreciate and evaluate Gould's musicianship.
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