Gary Goldschneider

Gary Goldschneider (1939-2019) was a multifaceted individual recognized for his contributions as a writer, pianist, composer, and personologist. He developed a significant body of work centered around his "Secret Language" book series, which drew upon astrological, numerological, and tarot principles. In these works, Goldschneider meticulously analyzed the characteristics of over 14,000 individuals to establish generalized personality traits associated with each day of the year. Beyond his literary pursuits, Goldschneider was also an accomplished pianist, notable for performing extensive "marathon" recitals of classical piano works, including all of Beethoven's and Mozart's sonatas in single sittings. His most famous Beethoven marathon in 1984 drew a large audience and significant media attention. Goldschneider also composed music and collaborated with other musicians.

His literary output includes several titles in the "Secret Language" series, exploring birthdays, relationships, destiny, and luck, often co-authored with Joost Elffers and Aron Goldschneider. He also published works on personology and practical astrology. Goldschneider's work in personology aimed to understand and categorize human character based on birth data and esoteric systems. He passed away in October 2019.

Gary Goldschneider is primarily recognized for his influential "Secret Language" book series. These works delved into the esoteric realms of astrology, numerology, and tarot to create a system of personology. Goldschneider's unique approach involved extensive research, where he studied and assessed the character traits of more than 14,000 individuals. The goal of this research was to identify and generalize the inherent characteristics associated with each specific day of the year. This system provided readers with insights into personality types, potential strengths, and life paths based on their birth date. The series aimed to offer a framework for understanding oneself and others through these combined mystical disciplines.

In addition to his literary achievements, Gary Goldschneider was a highly regarded pianist known for his extraordinary endurance performances. He undertook numerous "marathon" recitals, most notably playing all 32 of Beethoven's piano sonatas in one continuous performance. His most celebrated Beethoven marathon occurred in Amsterdam on August 19, 1984, attracting an estimated 10,000 attendees and garnering nationwide front-page news coverage. Goldschneider also performed complete cycles of Mozart's sonatas in single sittings on separate occasions in California and Amsterdam, with these recitals typically lasting around six hours. These demanding performances showcased his dedication to classical music and his exceptional pianistic skill.

Gary Goldschneider was also a prolific composer, contributing original musical works to his creative output. While his piano marathons and writings gained significant public attention, his compositional endeavors represent another facet of his artistic career. He also engaged in collaborations within the music community. Notably, he worked with fellow "marathon" pianist W.P. Julian Clef during Clef's piano music tour in January 2003. Furthermore, Clef had previously been a student under Goldschneider, indicating a mentorship and shared artistic lineage. These collaborations highlight Goldschneider's engagement with and influence within the musical world beyond his solo performances and writings.