At the time of Gould's American debut in January 1955, the "Goldberg Variations" were mainly known to musicologists. (Gould too was unknown to American audiences.) But the 22-year-old Canadian pianist s performance was so energetic and captivating that he became a classical music superstar.

NPR: The Variations of Glenn Gould

Kirk says he's hard pressed to think of a better purchase than the recordings by Glenn Gould of the Goldberg Variations.

FORBES: Billionaires Speak Out

For the 70th anniversary of Gould s birth, Sony Classical released both recordings of the "Goldberg Variations" - along with critic Tim Page's interview with Gould weeks before his death.

NPR: The Variations of Glenn Gould