Glenn Gould

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The chapter relates the memorable first encounter of a distinguished psychiatrist, Peter Ostwald, and a famous pianist, Glenn Gould; although they met on a concert stage in San Francisco, they came from opposite worlds. Born in Berlin, Germany, Ostwald was of Jewish origin, while Gould, a native of Toronto, was rooted in Canadian soil and Protestant values. Ostwald describes vividly the riveting performance of an ecstatic Gould, elevating his audience into a psychological orbit. During the next hours, Ostwald immediately senses the underlying conflicts and phobias affecting Gould and, gaining his confidence, enables Gould to become more relaxed and express his thoughts in a flurry of brilliant monologues. Ostwald’s eagerness to listen allows the shy pianist to articulate his views on medical problems, loneliness, and craving for solitude. As the evening progresses, Ostwald succeeds in alleviating his friend’s awkwardness and social anxiety.</jats:p>