A famous perfectionist, Glenn Gould would have been delighted with a new film series of his work set for release this fall, says a friend of the iconic Canadian pianist.

Tim Page, a friend of Gould's in the last years of his life, contributed to the new collection CBC will release on Sept. 25, which would have been the composer, classical musician and broadcaster's 79th birthday.

"He'd be delighted. Glenn was a very loyal Canadian and he loved his life in Canada," Page, who wrote the liner notes for the DVD box set, told CBC News.

"I think he'd be thrilled that finally his film work will be presented in a way he wanted it to be, which hasn't been done before."

The 10-disc box Glenn Gould on Television: The Complete CBC Broadcasts will feature many of Gould's rare recordings, unreleased full-length programs and documentaries, interviews and nearly 30 years of archival footage.

Celebrating Gould

The release of the DVD collection is only the beginning of a yearlong project celebrating Gould, who died in 1982.

A new website devoted to Gould will post new, exclusive video clips and radio programs each month, in hopes of building momentum for his 80th birthday. One of the goals is to engage a younger demographic perhaps not as well acquainted with the famed Canadian's work.

"I think Glenn would have loved the internet. It's unfortunate he didn't live to experience it," Page said.

"But I think he'd be quite pleased with the idea of [his work being released this way]."

There will also be chances for Canadians to participate in and contribute to the celebration of Gould's life, organizers of the project said.

Page said he plans to attend some of these events.

"It's great that we can celebrate the last part of Glenn's legacy that's finally being issued in a form he would recognize."