Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Glenn Gould

Photos by Alan L Brown - September 2006

Here's a bronze Glen Gould relaxing on a bench in front of the CBC building on Front Street just east of John Street. There are two almost identical City of Toronto plaques about this musician in the city. One is in front of his childhood home at 32 Southwood Drive. The other is in front of his adult home at 110 St. Clair Avenue West. There is also a Toronto Humane Society plaque dedicated to him. Here's what the 1993 Toronto Historical Board plaque at 32 Southwood Drive has to say:

Celebrated pianist Glen Gould was born in Toronto and lived here at 32 Southwood Drive throughout his childhood. His visionary approach to musical interpretation brought him international stature. A child prodigy, he gave his first public concert on the organ at the Eaton Auditorium 12 December 1945. He made his debut as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at age 14. Worldwide recognition followed his brilliant rendition of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations, recorded in June 1955. From that year through 1964, he toured extensively in many parts of the world including North America, Europe, the Soviet Union and Israel. Dissatisfied with the concert medium, he abandoned live performances in 1964. He continued to record a wide range of music, to write articles for periodicals and to undertake innovative radio and television projects. He died in 1982 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.675321 -79.296505

Photo by Alan L Brown - September 2006

Here's what the 1992 Toronto Historical Board plaque at 110 St. Clair Avenue West tells us:

Celebrated pianist Glenn Gould was born in Toronto and lived here on St. Clair Avenue West for much of his adult life. His visionary approach to musical interpretation brought him international stature. A child prodigy, he gave his first public concert on the organ at the Eaton Auditorium 12 December 1945. He made his debut as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at age 14. Worldwide recognition followed his brilliant rendition of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations, recorded in June 1955. From that year through 1964, he toured extensively in many parts of the world including North America, Europe, the Soviet Union and Israel. Dissatisfied with the concert medium, he abandoned live performances in 1964. He continued to record a wide range of music, to write articles for periodicals and to undertake innovative radio and television projects. He died in 1982 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.687232 -79.399009

Photo by Alan L Brown - June 2007

Here's what the Toronto Humane Society plaque says:

A testament of love for all animals. The Toronto Humane Society gratefully acknowledges the generous legacy left to thousands of abused, lonely and abandoned animals which continues to provide them with a second chance. A musical and humane legacy to the world.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.657611 -79.356512

Related Toronto plaque page
Mount Pleasant Cemetery

More Arts pages

Here are the comments for this page.

Posted March 8, 2010
He was the best, as a pianist and as a human being.

Posted May 10, 2008
He makes me proud to have been born a Canadian.
Holt Chater

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