Carl Toth Cimbalom

This instrument was made by Canadian cimbalom maker and violinist, Carl Toth. Born in Czechoslovakia, Toth emigrated to Canada in 1925 and worked as a cabinet maker while performing with his band in Hungarian clubs in Toronto. Toth’s eldest son Rudy was a noted Canadian composer and cimbalom-player, who worked for CBC radio and TV as a pianist, music director, and conductor throughout the 1940s, 50s’, and 60s’. Rudy later began a music production company with his brother Jerry, writing jingles for TV and arranging music for movies—including the 1968 Oscar-winning documentary, A Place to Stand. One of their biggest hits, the song bearing the film’s title became popularly known as “Ontari-ari-ario”.

Donated by Carl Toth (Jr.), for Josephine Toth