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Lamar Crowson ’48

Lamar Crowson ’48, August 25, 1998, of a heart attack, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was an internationally known pianist who was regarded by many as one of the finest chamber musicians of his time. After attending Reed, he studied music at the Royal College of Music, London, where he joined the faculty in 1957. While in London, he began his performing career, concentrating on chamber music. With the Melos Ensemble of London, he recorded the Mozart and Beethoven Quintets for piano and wind, Schubert’s "Trout" Quintet, and other works. In 1972, he settled in South Africa, where he was professor of music at the University of Cape Town. He encouraged students to develop a creative approach to piano playing which sought fidelity to the composer's own creative spirit. Mindless technical exercises were anathema to him. He would say “develop the right intentions, and you will find the technique to carry them out.” He is survived by two sons; his third wife; two stepsons, and a brother, Don Crowson ’55.

Appeared in Reed magazine: February 1999