A look at the acclaimed pianist's 1957 trip to the Soviet Union, when he became - at age 24 - the first North American to perform behind the Iron Curtain. The film features previously unheard recordings of Gould's concerts in Moscow and Leningrad, including his recital and lecture at the Leningrad Conservatory.

To this day, Glenn Gould remains a classical music icon, one of the best-known and most accomplished pianists of all time. This is not a conventional biography of a musician, but the story of one great event in Gould classical music icon, one of the best-known and most accomplished pianists of all time. This is not a conventional biography of a musician, but the story of one great event in GouldΓÇÖs lifeΓÇöhis 1957 trip to RussiaΓÇöan event that had a long-lasting effect on the performer and his audiences, and would influence future generations of Russian musicians. Along with new facts and details about GouldΓÇÖs visit, this program features original Moscow and Leningrad recordings of GouldΓÇÖs concerts, including the unreleased recording of GouldΓÇÖs lecture/recital at the Leningrad Conservatory. Also featured are previously unknown, unreleased documents and photographs of GouldΓÇÖs trip, many from his ΓÇÿconfidentialΓÇÖ file in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The impact of his visit is also recaptured through the words of celebrated contemporary musicians Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and other prominent musicians, musicologists, film and theater directors. OVER 30-MINUTES OF BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE: ΓÇó Extra interview with Gould after his return from Russia ΓÇó Extended interview with Walter Homburger, GouldΓÇÖs manager. NTSC - Region 1 ΓÇó Gould performing BeethovenΓÇÖs Bagatelle, Op. 126 No. 3