He (Gould) didn't like being looked at – that made an ongoing concert career impossible. He didn't enjoy the public spectacle, and he acted on his feelings. Even though I may get nervous, I like performing in public. I like playing concerts. |
It's not enough to play the best you can – it takes a certain amount of luck. It's like blessings from on high. Or being kissed by the gods. If people hear you, and want to hear you again, you can sustain a career. |
The conductor said that I won precisely because I made this mistake and managed to continue playing. |
The last few years have been a bit of a struggle. I got over the brain thing and my hand has come back nicely. |
When you went to hear one of these people, ... it was their conviction that got you. They were each fabulous in their own way. The way they played just seemed right. The power of the players' belief in what they were doing was so important. |