Glenn Gould’s piano, chair donated to National Arts Centre

OTTAWA – Fresh-faced, 17-year-old pianist Jan Lisiecki feels Glenn Gould’s old piano is “wise,” a weathered instrument that the late virtuoso picked up second-hand in 1960 and used constantly.

Lisiecki, a celebrated musician in his own right, got to play the Steinway CD 318 on Wednesday in its new home — the National Arts Centre. The public might not be able to tickle those genuine ivories, but they’ll now be able to take a close peek.

“The main thing that’s different is the action. It’s quite quick. It’s just a small difference, and that’s I think what Glenn Gould felt,” said Lisiecki, who’s on a full scholarship at the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto.

“But it also has character, and that’s something not necessarily every piano has … Somewhere within this piano there’s a soul, there’s emotion from the piano itself.”

The piano and an equally iconic Glenn Gould chair were transferred permanently to the arts centre by Library and Archives Canada.

Now the piano will sit in the lobby area outside the doors to Southam Hall, the main concert venue inside the NAC. The folding chair will be displayed periodically.

On Wednesday, it was shown under glass. It is rickety, the paint largely worn away. Gould’s father Bert customized the chair for him, so he adjust the height to his taste. The pianist called it his “travelling companion.”

Gould, who died in 1982 at age 50, was one of the world’s most celebrated pianists — particularly for his interpretation of Bach.

He was known both for his virtuosity and for his eccentricity — Gould would often make noises as he sang, dressed often like a hobo, and led something of a solitary life. He also wrote, composed and directed radio and television.

In 2010, the National Arts Centre unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of jazz pianist Oscar Peterson at the piano. It sits outside the centre, and tourists often sit beside the likeness of Peterson to get their photo taken.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today