CARL PARRISH
1904 — 1965
Carl Parrish was a distinguished scholar--an elder statesman
among present-day musicologists--who was active and influential
in the American Musicological Society. He was a specialist in
medieval and renaissance music, and in the music of Haydn. He
was well in touch with other areas of research in music, and was
interested in the development of music library resources. He had
received a Fulbright Grant in 1952-53 and a Guggenheim Fellowship
in 1958-59. His books include the "Masterpieces of Music before
1750," "A Treasury of Early Music," "The Notation of Medieval
Music," and translations of the "Dictionary of Musical Terms,"
by Johannes Tinctoris and the "Thoroughbass Method" of Hermann
Keller.
He was devoted to teaching in a career which he began as pianist
and composer. Before coming to Vassar College, he had taught at
Wells College, Fisk University, Westminster Choir College, Union
Theological Seminary and Pomona College. While at Vassar he
taught during numerous summers at the University of Southern
California, Union Theological Seminary and the University of
Minnesota. His interest in the problems of students was given
particular emphasis in those four years when Carl and his wife
served as housefellows in Raymond.
To those who knew him as a friend as well as professionally, he
was a quietly compassionate man whose confidence was to be sought
and respected. He had a broad range of interests. In recollec-
tion, discussions with him concerning fine points of historical
analysis in music, and concerning developments in other fields,
can be contrasted with afternoons spent with him in Yankee
Stadium or in watching him play ball with his son. His sense of
humor was perceptive and generous. His contemplation of ultimate
concerns marked both his social awareness and his faith.
It was a privilege, not easily gained, to know this man. And it
is our privilege, at this moment, to try to call your attention
to the whole man.
James B. Coover
Pilar de Madariaga
Earl W. Groves
Donald M. Pearson
Homer Pearson
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