Music

Musicology professor remembered for research

UH is mourning the loss of Moores School of Music Scholar Emeritus Robert Lynn, who passed away this week following a long illness.

Lynn taught musicology from 1971 to 1997 and regularly taught Introduction to Musicology. For several years, Lynn also served as director of Graduate Studies.

In 1982, Lynn became the first music director of Bach Society Houston and worked with the organization until his retirement in 2004.

During his tenure as the director of the Bach Choir and Orchestra, he worked to establish an ensemble that reflected the latest research and scholarship of historically informed performance practice. Lynn’s scholarly research has made the Bach Choir’s presentation possible. The society’s first event was a popular series of Bach Vespers. Attendance remained at full capacity over the years as the series continued.

In December 1998, Lynn was awarded a travel grant in Leipzig by the Houston-Leipzig Sister City Association to support his research.

“Professor Lynn brought a level of erudition to the Bach Society required for the organization to aspire to high standards. He built a choir that reached into the community and attracted a large base that supported the ongoing efforts of the society,” said the Rev. Robert G. Moore, senior pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Lynn also taught Moore that the music of Bach and other early music composers has a great capacity of community-building. Music is not only for the mind and aesthetic pleasure, but it also makes relationships happen.

“Over these last years, during Dr. Lynn’s illness, we have missed primarily his kind presence,” Moore said.

Lynn was a musicologist, harpsichordist and organist. He received a master’s degree in music studying organ from the Juilliard School and a doctorate in musicology from Indiana University. He was also a member of the American Guild of Organists, which serves the organ and choral music professional fields.

“Without a doubt, Bob played an important part in the development of the school. He will be missed,” said MSM Director David Ashley White.

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