Join host Brian Levine on The Gould Standard podcast as he welcomes back the prolific and insightful Stephen Fry. In this episode, Fry reflects on his roles in 'Wilde,' 'V for Vendetta,' and 'Gosford Park,' and explores the future of art in an AI-dominated world. Touching on themes of creativity, persecution, and the intersection of technology and society, Fry provides thought-provoking insights into both his artistic journey and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with humour, wisdom, and a call to cherish and safeguard human ingenuity.

Rick Beato is a musical and internet phenomenon.

On this episode of The Gould Standard, host Brian Levine sits down with Rick, a renowned music educator, producer, and YouTube sensation. Starting with discussion around Rick's early influences, including his classical music background and exposure to jazz. Rick shares his journey from teaching to becoming a successful music producer and YouTuber with 4.5 million subscribers and over 1.5 Billion views. Rick shares the secrets to the success of his popular Youtube series “What Makes This Song Great?,” the vital importance of ear training, the impact of technology on music production, the negative impacts of music streaming services and the irreplaceable importance of live performance.

Rick also discusses his interviews with legendary musicians and the role of harmony (musically and emotionally) in creating impactful music. It’s an in-depth and inspiring discussion about one man’s passionate love of music and his dedication to sharing a lifetime of joy, insight and brilliant communication with devoted audiences globally.

Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), Afghanistan’s first modern music academy, established in 2010 to preserve the beautiful musical heritage of his country after years of rule under the Taliban had attempted to ban and eradicate all musical culture. Bringing together a diverse student body that included young women and children from the most disadvantaged rung of society, ANIM was founded both to teach music and promote human advancement and social justice.

Dr. Sarmast, a true musical hero, shares his powerful journey in this episode of The Gould Standard. We dive into the origins of ANIM, his experiences in Afghanistan, and the institute’s saga of escape and survival as it continues its mission following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Dr. Sarmast reflects on Afghanistan's rich musical heritage and its role in uniting a nation torn apart by ethnic, civil, and religious strife.

Dr. Sarmast’s dedication to the music and people of Afghanistan comes into dramatic focus as he recounts the personal threats he faced, including surviving a Taliban-orchestrated suicide bombing at a performance. Despite the dangers, Dr. Sarmast remained resolute in his mission to use music as a tool for education and healing.

Dr Sarmast’s inspiring love for music with its power to heal and unify, shines when discussing the work of his students, faculty and the pride that he has seen them bring to the people of Afghanistan as a beacon of hope and freedom in dark times.

The inimitable Stephen Fry joins us for a warm and witty conversation, sharing stories from his rich and varied career, as a writer, actor, director, TV host, memoirist and all around polymath.

Stephen talks about his latest acting projects with his signature charm, giving listeners a peek behind the curtain of his work in television and film. Fry also reflects on his adventures filming documentaries and traveling across America, offering humorous and heartfelt insights into the people and cultures he encountered along the way.

As the conversation turns to his writing, Fry opens up about his deep love for classical myths, explaining why these ancient stories still captivate him—and why they continue to speak to us today. He also shares his thoughtful views on religion, exploring the connections between mythology and belief with the kind of sharp intellect and humor that have won him renown the world over. Whether discussing his work, travels, or philosophical musings, Fry’s passion and warmth make this episode an engaging and entertaining listen.

For your *continued* pleasure: a second, special bonus episode. The response of our audience has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the world premiere of the private, recorded conversation between Tim Page and Glenn Gould.

They wanted to learn more about this unique audio document, and we’re happy to oblige. In this special program, Tim Page reflects on his spontaneous phone conversation with Glenn, and contrasts it with a later scripted interview for the 1982 Goldberg Variations recording, and recounts personal anecdotes, including a private piano performance by Gould. The episode also highlights Gould's appreciation for in-depth conversations free from clichéd questions and his humour, expressed through his fictitious alter egos, Theodore Slutz, Nigel Twitt-Thornwaite and Karlheinz Klopweisser. The discussion encompasses Gould's enormous influence on restoring the reputations composers like Strauss and Sibelius.

For your pleasure: a special bonus episode.

The response of our audience has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the world premiere of the private, recorded conversation between Tim Page and Glenn Gould. They wanted to learn more about this unique audio document, and we’re happy to oblige.

In this special program, Tim Page reflects on his spontaneous phone conversation with Glenn, and contrasts it with a later scripted interview for the 1982 Goldberg Variations recording, and recounts personal anecdotes, including a private piano performance by Gould. The episode also highlights Gould's appreciation for in-depth conversations free from clichéd questions and his humour, expressed through his fictitious alter egos, Theodore Slutz, Nigel Twitt-Thornwaite and Karlheinz Klopweisser. The discussion encompasses Gould's enormous influence on restoring the reputations composers like Strauss and Sibelius.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have received one of the legendary nocturnal phone calls from pianist Glenn Gould? For the first time, Gould Standard listeners will have the chance to eavesdrop on such a conversation, albeit one that took place in the daytime.

Pulitzer prize winning music critic, Tim Page, is widely recognized as one of America’s leading writers on music and the arts. From an early age, he was fascinated by the music and ideas of the Canadian pianist, Glenn Gould. In October 1980, Gould agreed to a print interview with him to appear in the SoHo News. Tim scheduled a telephone conversation to prepare his article, which he recorded on cassette tapes. Rediscovering the tapes years later, Tim realized what a precious souvenir and historical document he had preserved.

During this candid conversation, Gould unabashedly expresses his innermost feelings on topics such as recording vs. live musical performance, the concept of “The Idea of North,” and his perspectives on various composers and their works. The Gould Standard is grateful to Tim Page for letting us share this unprecedented and intimate look into the musical philosophies and eccentricities of one of the most brilliant musical minds of our era, in this world premiere presentation.

The Gould Standard welcomes Robert Lepage, the 10th Laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize, for a provocative and illuminating dialogue on his trailblazing career as an actor, director, playwright, and stage director. Drawing from his Québecois roots, Lepage reflects on how his background has shaped his artistic sensibility, from grand productions like Wagner's Ring Cycle at the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the intimate exploration of memory in his stage work "887." His dedication to pushing his art to the limit of the possible and beyond, while maintaining a deep connection to both personal and universal themes, underscores his belief in art as a transformative experience that transcends conventional boundaries.

This episode of The Gould Standard delves into the personal and artistic relationships between Glenn Gould, Cornelia Foss, and her family. We begin with Cornelia relating her first captivating encounter with Gould at a concert during her marriage with famed composer-conductor Lukas Foss, leading to Cornelia and Glenn’s eventual love affair. We explore the complex dynamics between Cornelia, Glenn, and Lukas, highlighting Gould's multifaceted personality - from his perceived reclusiveness to his warm, playful and affectionate side as experienced by the Foss children. Cornelia Foss reflects on the challenges and transformations of their relationships, particularly focusing on Gould's the alterations to his state of mind, which she attributes to his misuse of prescription medications, leading to the eventual breakdown of their partnership. The episode also touches on broader themes of artistry, memory, and the lasting influence of Glenn Gould on the Foss family and beyond, all while revealing lesser-known facets of Gould's character and the deeply intertwined lives of those who were closest to him.

In a compelling episode of the Gould Standard podcast, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with American painter Cornelia Foss alongside her children, Christopher and Eliza. Delving into the rich tapestry of their family history from Europe to Hollywood to New York, and the life and career of Cornelia’s husband, the great American composer and conductor, Lukas Foss, the trio shares poignant insights into their lives intertwined with art and music. This two-part conversation also includes reminiscences of Cornelia’s almost 5-year love affair with Glenn Gould, which saw her and the children moving to Toronto to be with Gould. A rare and poignant account of a relationship that offers unique insights into the great pianist’s life and personality, from three first-hand, very personal perspectives.