The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2014-01-09 01:15
I just found out that H. Owen Reed, a composer and professor of composition at Michigan State University for many years, died on Monday at age 103.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/onlineathens/obituary.aspx?n=h-reed&pid=168961576
Many of us have enjoyed performing his popular band piece, La Fiesta Mexicana.
He also wrote a Scherzo for clarinet and piano in 1947 for Keith Stein, but it doesn't seem to be performed very often.
In the early 80s, I was doing some research while working on my masters at another university. I sent him a letter with some questions only he could answer (even though I barely knew him), and he sent a very prompt, helpful, and friendly response.
Here's a YouTube clip of Reed playing Misty--at age 102!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHE34Q4FqYE
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2014-01-09 01:30
The piano playing was really, really cool. And quite amazing!
HRL
Post Edited (2014-01-09 06:40)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rtmyth
Date: 2014-01-09 18:19
His Armenian Dances were one of my favorites. (on utube )
richard smith
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2014-01-09 20:46
The two sets of Armenian Dances are wonderful, but they were written by Alfred Reed (I also enjoy his music). As far as I know, the two men weren't related, but they knew each other. In a strange sort of way, it was interesting to see them sit next to each other and have a friendly chat during Alfred Reed's visit to MSU in the mid 70s.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rtmyth
Date: 2014-01-09 18:14
Thanks for the clarification. I never realized there were two such marvelous Reeds!! H. Owen Reed is not listed in my 1989 edition of the Band Music Guide.
richard smith
Post Edited (2014-01-10 02:32)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|