Glenn Gould

Glenn Herbert Gould (September 25, 1932–October 4, 1982) was a celebrated Canadian pianist, noted especially for his recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach. He gave up live performances in 1964, dedicating himself to the recording studio for the rest of his career.

Life

Gould was born Glenn Gold in Toronto, Ontario. His family later changed their name from Gold to Gould to avoid the anti-semitism that swept Canada in the 1930s. After being taught piano by his mother, whose grandfather was a cousin of Edvard Grieg, Gould attended the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto from the age of ten. There he studied piano with Alberto Guerrero, organ with Frederick C. Silvester, and theory with Leo Smith.

Related Topics:
Toronto - Ontario - Anti-semitism - Piano - Edvard Grieg - Royal Conservatory of Music - Alberto Guerrero - Organ - Frederick C. Silvester - Theory

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In 1945 he gave his first public performance (at the organ) and the following year made his first appearance with an orchestra (the Toronto Symphony Orchestra) in a performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. His first public recital followed in 1947, and his first recital on CBC radio came in 1950. This was the beginning of a long association with the radio and with recording in general.

Related Topics:
1945 - Orchestra - Toronto Symphony Orchestra - Beethoven's - Piano Concerto No. 4 - 1947 - 1950

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In 1957, Gould made a concert trip to the Soviet Union. He was the first North American to play there after the Second World War.

Related Topics:
1957 - Soviet Union - Second World War

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On April 10, 1964, Gould gave his last public performance, in Los Angeles, California, and for the rest of his life he concentrated on his other interests: making recordings, writing, broadcasting, documentaries (see below), and composing (although he produced few works as a composer).

Related Topics:
April 10 - 1964 - Los Angeles, California - Composer

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Gould died in 1982 in Toronto after suffering a massive stroke. He is buried in Toronto's Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Related Topics:
1982 - Stroke - Mount Pleasant Cemetery

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