Friday, February 29, 2008

Frank Townsell, African American Pianist Of CD “Blind Boone's Piano Music”

[Blind Boone's Piano Music, An African American composer performed by Frank Townsell; Laurel LR-860CD (1998)]

From the pianist's website:

“Born and educated in Kansas City, Missouri, Frank Townsell made his first professional appearance with the Kansas City Youth Symphony Orchestra in 1959. He had been a student of the piano since the age of 5, winning many honors and awards along the way. Among his educational and musical degrees, he received a B.A. in French Literature from the University of Missouri while continuing his piano studies with Richard Canterbury. Frank Townsell received a Master of Music degree from the University of British Columbia, while studying piano with Dr. Dale Reubart.

In 1971 Townsell received the diploma from the Fontainebleau Conservatoire in Paris. At that time his principle teachers were Nadia Boulanger, Robert Casadesus, and Jean-Jacques Painchaud. He scored a triumph at his Paris debut, which led to further successful appearances in France. At Reid Hall in Paris he was soloist on a recital program in honor of Mlle. Boulanger, was also featured on programs at Fontainebleau, and performed a recital at the Centre Culturel Américain.

Frank Townsell taught formerly at the University of British Columbia, and for the past twenty six years at City College of San Francisco.”

Frank Townsell Plays (2003) is a recording on which the pianist interprets solo piano works of Chopin, Debussy, Schubert and the African American Composer Clarence Cameron White, whom we profiled on Feb. 27, 2008. The recording is available from CDBaby.com

An earlier recording is Blind Boone's Piano Music, An African American composer performed by Frank Townsell, Laurel LR-860CD (1998). A tip from a niece of John Boone, known as Blind Boone (1864-1927), led him to undertake the research and recording project, with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts. An overview of the life and career of John Boone is included at the pianist's website.

Frank+Townsell" rel="tag">Frank Townsell
Black+Pianist" rel="tag">Black Pianist
Classical+Pianist" rel="tag">Classical Pianist
Classical+Music" rel="tag">Classical Music
Blind+Boone" rel="tag">Blind Boone
John+Boone" rel="tag">John Boone

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