Herz Visiting Professorship

Gerhard Herz Visiting Professorship in Bach Studies

Internationally recognized for his scholarship dedicated to the music of J.S. Bach, Professor Gerhard Herz (1911-2000) generously provided for the establishment of a visiting professorship in Bach studies. During residence, the visiting scholar teaches a seminar on Bach’s music and continues to work on scholarly projects, using the Gerhard Herz Collection of resources and Bach scores for the purpose.

The first University of Louisville Gerhard Herz Visiting Professor in Bach studies (fall semester 2003) was Dr. Anne Leahy of Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Leahy presented a lecture recital on Bach’s organ music and a lecture dedicated to Dr. Herz’ work, and, in particular, his influence on the development of  musical life in Louisville, Kentucky.  This lecture was subsequently published as an article in the Bach Journal, with the title, “The American Image of Bach from a German Emigré’s Perspective: Gerhard Herz and the Modern American Bach Movement.”

In the fall 2007, a special weekend (October 19-20) of performances of the music of Bach and lectures was planned in memory of Professor Herz and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the School of Music. These events featured international experts in areas of Bach scholarship and performance: Michael Marissen, musicologist; Julianna Baird, soprano; Washington McClain, baroque oboe; Barry Bauguess, baroque trumpet; Steven Plank, baroque trumpet; and, Gesa Kordes, baroque violin.

In the fall 2009, Dr. Russell Stinson, Josephine Emily Brown Professor of Music and College Organist at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, is the Visiting Professor in Bach Studies. In addition to guiding a graduate seminar in the music of Bach, Dr. Stinson will present two organ recitals (Oct. 2, 27) on the Steiner-Reck Organ in Comstock Hall, and deliver an illustrated lecture in Bird Hall (Oct. 9).