Department chair dies at age 53

By Jewel Gopwani
For the Daily

Renowned Music Prof. William Albright, chair of the school's department of composition, died Thursday evening of liver failure in his Ann Arbor home. He was 53 years old.

Named the composer of the year in 1993 by the American Guild of Organists, Albright's accomplishments include numerous compositions and 28 years of teaching at the University.

"He should be remembered for his brilliance in composing," said his son, John Albright. "He was a well respected, hardworking organist."

Albright

Albright received bachelors and master degrees in music as well as a doctorate of musical arts from the University in the 1960s.

Albright began teaching musical composition at the University in 1970. He was well known as an accomplished professor of vocal arrangements and composition for numerous instruments.

"He was a beloved teacher and a lifetime mentor to his students in their careers," Music Dean Paul Boylan said.

During his tenure at the University, Albright received a distinguished service award, a faculty recognition award and a faculty fellowship enhancement award for his contributions as a professor.

"He was a wonderfully composed and a very fine teacher," said Music Prof. emeritus Leslie Basset, who was chairperson of the composition department before Albright.

Albright's students remember him for his commitment to their education.

"His extreme dedication to the craft of composition and willingness to impart his knowledge to the next generation will be missed by the Music School," Music sophomore Ariel Barnet said.

Albright also reached out to his students on a personable level. "I can't imagine a music department without him," Rackham student Michael Rodman said in a written statement. "Both in his studio and out he gave freely of his gifts of enthusiasm (and) perceptive counsel,"

During his career, Albright composed pieces for a variety of instruments, but is best known for his organ and piano compositions. His works have been performed by the Austrian Radio Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic and the American Composers Orchestra.

Albright's organ works, which include "Flights of Fancy, Ballet for Organ," are available on numerous record labels including CRI, Albany and Nonesuch.

Albright also recorded his performances of original piano ragtime compositions and the complete music of Scott Joplin. His composition awards include the Symphonic Composition Award from Niagara University and an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

In conjunction with Albright's family, the University is holding a service for Albright at 3 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the First Unitarian Universalist Church located at 1917 Washtenaw Ave.

"We are establishing a memorial fund in his memory," Boylan said.

Contributions to the fund can be made to through the School of Music.

09-21-98