Comments on: Frank Glazer, pianist of international renown and longtime �ֲ��ý artist in residence, dies at age 99

By: Ted Walworth

Ted Walworth — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 04:43:04 +0000

As a community member of the �ֲ��ý Orchestra for the past 35 years, I had the good fortune to be on hand most every time Frank played with the orchestra, beginning with the Beethoven Choral Fantasy in the Chapel and most recently when he performed a Mozart double concerto in Olin with Jim Parakilis. He was always patient and cordial, playing far more impeccably than the rest of us. After his recitals, he would greet his friends and fans, outlasting all of us. He loved to tell stories and had an endless supply of tales, which were always entertaining, never tiresome. A more generous individual would be hard to find. How fortunate it was that he settled in Maine and enriched us for so many years.

By: Lisa D. Bryan

Lisa D. Bryan — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:16:42 +0000

I cherish the rehearsals and performances I had with Mr. Glazer as a sophomore and senior in the 1980s. He was a profound musician and a brilliant example of what a teacher can be. I am grateful for his presence at �ֲ��ý and in my life.

By: Lisa Villa

Lisa Villa — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:21:51 +0000

Frank Glazer was more than a gifted musician — he was a World War II veteran, beloved husband of the vivacious, fun-loving love of his life, Ruth. He started in vaudeville and continued a life of love of entertainment, skill and refinement of craft, the likes of which we may never see again. He never ceded to his craft, perfecting his skill even at 99 years of age. He was an “old world” man of class and elegance, delivery and perfection. I loved him. We often had dinners in Topsham, Maine, walking arm in arm… he, elegantly dressed, handsome, full of class, wisdom and maturity. He talked me through my loss of my state Senate race, my win of a state representative’s seat, and the loss of my father. We talked about his lovely wife Ruth and the hereafter. He shared with me his time in World War II as a French translator (my favorite of his discussions which he hilariously told), and of the almost unspeakable loss of his sister who taught him to play the piano and died at age 13. He was 99 years old, but he always told me he felt like he was 35, not to belie his years, but to tell the truth of how our bodies age, yet our brain and our spirit remain the same. He is and always will be my hero, my mentor and the love of all things good in a world that is no longer recognizable particularly of those from his era. Frank will always remain a part of my heart and my soul. I am fortunate to have met and spent time with such a gracious, loving human being. Rest in peace, darling. Ruth is waiting.
— Lisa Villa, Harrison, Maine

By: Alberto Hernandez

Alberto Hernandez — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:24:54 +0000

The Maestro was a very special human being and artist, and that was reflected in his treatment toward others, as a student or just socially. We met in Rochester around 1974 and studied piano in his music studio on Park Avenue. Years later we kept in touch; he was very generous and provided room, board and coaching in the barn in Kezar Falls. Mrs. Glazer provided lots of smiles, made you feel special, made gourmet meals and the unforgettable gin & tonic before bedtime…

It is going to be very different now when practicing and knowing that I cannot just phone and ask for advice. As his grand nephew stated:

“He joined his beloved Ruth” and surely both are very happy together again…

PS — Frank made music-making a special gift from the gods….

By: Bodin Muschinsky

Bodin Muschinsky — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 15:39:51 +0000

I had the great fortune to spend some time, if only for a few semesters, learning from Frank Glazer while at �ֲ��ý in the late 1980s. I am always amazed at how many interpretation and performance ideas Mr. Glazer was able to impart to me in that brief period, particularly since I play an entirely separate instrument. To this day, when I play string quartets with old friends or even participate in a chamber music workshop down in NYC, I can hear Frank in the back of my head asking questions about a true Mozart tempo decision, or what portion of a phrase or a line really matters. Mr. Glazer impacted more people than I will ever know, but I’m entirely thankful to count myself as one of them.

By: Judith Swanson Block

Judith Swanson Block — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 01:21:33 +0000

I had the pleasure to study with Mr. Glazer at the Eastman School of Music as a graduate student in 1964-66. It wasn’t until November of this year that I saw him again in Topsham, at his invitation. I cherished spending the time with this generous yet so approachable and wise artist, and am so sad that his heart gave out before his anticipated 100th birthday concert series in February, which [. . .] I had planned to attend. While visiting him this fall, we sang through his remarkable songs set to poetry of Frost, Whitman and others — an example of his expansive knowledge and artistic sensibilities. A wonderful teacher, mentor, friend and model to so many.

By: Carol Bradshaw Akin

Carol Bradshaw Akin — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:25:20 +0000

I was deeply saddened to hear of Frank’s passing on Tuesday. An incredible loss to quality music performance and to the music teaching world.
I was also disappointed that in his history, there was no mention of the fact that he was artist in residence at Bennett (Jr) College in the 1960s, and he and his wife, Ruth, were two-thirds of the music department there. That’s where I came to know and appreciate him. His concerts at Bennett were stunning and inspiring. He and Ruth held receptions afterward at their home, and many students and faculty would attend. Frank was easy to talk to, warm, encouraging our musical questions and interest. After I went on to a university, Frank and Ruth went to Eastman…and then to �ֲ��ý, but continued to tour. I minored in music….and made an effort to keep in touch, at least with Christmas cards. I have 40 years of Christmas cards from them!…and then from Frank after Ruth passed on. Every time he performed in NYC and I found out, I would go…..Town Hall, St. Bartholemew’s Church, the 92nd St. Y, etc. Wonderful chats with him each time. In spite of all those wanting to see him, he was always delighted to see me and talk to me, touched that I’d have come. (Duhhhh! I LOVED hearing him play!)
One of my thrills was later, taking my husband and two kids into NYC to hear him play. He was at least 80 then! He and Ruth were so delighted to meet my family and my family loved meeting them.
I had a hunch something was wrong when I didn’t hear from him at Christmas.
What a glorious legacy he left in all the students’ lives he touched…and in the beautiful music he continued to perform all his life! He is also an example of how internalizing the beauty, enthusiasm, liveliness, humor and depth that music’s performances bring can lengthen life.
Rest in harmony and peace, Frank, and keep making beautiful spiritual music!

By: Curtis Stotlar

Curtis Stotlar — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:57:38 +0000

Frank Glazer came to the Eastman School when I was studying there and four of us studying with him went to the school’s director, Walter Hendl, to ask for Mr. Glazer to stay permanently. Mr. Hendl picked up the phone, called up Mr. Glazer and said, “Help, Frank — they’re shooting Glazer beams at me!”

Comments on: Frank Glazer, pianist of international renown and longtime �ֲ���ý artist in residence, dies at age 99