Glenn Gould in rehearsal, Toronto, Ontario, 1974, by Walter Curtin

A brilliant and unorthodox individual, Glenn Gould (1932-1982) performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at the age of 14, and quickly developed an international reputation as a concert pianist before giving up public performances in 1964.

On April 6, 1962, before a live performance of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, the conductor, Leonard Bernstein, prefaced the performance with the remarks: "... there are moments in Mr. Gould’s performance that emerge with astonishing freshness and conviction, ...we can all learn something from this extraordinary artist who is a thinking performer."

Gould’s later years were spent in recording, writing and broadcasting. He was just beginning to develop his talents as a conductor when a fatal stroke cut his life short just after his fiftieth birthday.

PA-137052