Lebow, Howard
Howard Lebow Collection, 1947-1983 (Bulk: 1960-1970) (32.5 linear feet).
Howard Miles Lebow was an accomplished concert pianist and composer who was first celebrated during his tenure as a student at Julliard School of Music where he earned both his BA and MFA. While at Julliard, Lebow studied under Edward Steuermann, a pupil of composer Ferruccio Busoni, and was acclaimed for his performances of Busoni’s works. Lebow exceled as a pianist, performing in fifteen countries across Europe and the Americas. Appointed to the post of Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Massachusetts in September 1965, Lebow lectured and performed until his untimely death in 1968 at age 32. Although known for his interpretations of contemporary music, Lebow was equally at home in the entire piano literature; one of his last and most memorable recitals was devoted to the music of Franz Liszt, another artist whom he had studied and whom he greatly admired. After his death, the Howard M. Lebow Scholarship Fund was established (1968).
The Lebow Collection numbers over 5,000 items and is comprised primarily of sheet music and a small sampling of audio recordings. The collection includes many unusual early editions, a reflection of Lebow’s taste and discrimination as a musician and enthusiastic collector.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst--Faculty.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst. Department of Music and Dance.
- Lebow, Howard.
- Scores.
As a young girl, I studied piano with Howard Lebow from 1959 to 1963 at his home in West New York, New Jersey. I was one of his first students, though not a gifted musician. Howard recognized my true talent in visual arts and arranged painting lessons for me. He also taught such musical talents as Loren Hollander. My lessons were frequently interrupted by his concert tours. When I began with him, Howard had just graduated from Juilliard where he had studied under Charles Ives and Vincent Persichetti among others. At graduation he received higher recognition than his more famous classmate, Van Cliburn. Howard was extremely gifted in areas besides music; he spoke and wrote in several languages and had a keen sense of humor. He often premiered avant garde music by composers like Stockhausen and Villa-Lobos. Above all he was a great teacher and friend.
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:49 am