Indiana professor of piano dies
mainIndiana University Jacobs School of Music has announced the death of Edmund Battersby, professor of piano since 1995.
He died on Friday at his home in Bloomington, Ind., at the age of 66. No cause has been given.
A native of Detroit, Battersby had an extensive career as a recital and recording artist.
http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/david-baker-obit-publish-86397/
Norman – this also from Indiana.
A truly great artist and a kind and dear man. RIP.
I’ve been a student of Battersby this past academic year…what an incredible artist and just a real human being. So heartbroken right now…
In his younger years, Eddie was one of the nicest and most gifted people at Juilliard. A huge loss. Condolences to his family, friends, and students.
What sad news and what a terrible loss for all who knew him. He was such a loving, caring, compassionate man- a wonderful artist and a brilliant musician. Just so sorry that we didn’t have more time to laugh together. Rest in peace, my friend, surrounded by angels!!
I new Ed at Juilliard and then primarily during his time at Montclair College. He was a wonderful pianist and musician always trying to delve deeper into the music and had a real quest for learning. He brought that to his performances and his teaching. I will always remember him for his charm, sense of humor and zest for life. Our world will miss him in every way and I send my deepest warmest wishes to his family.
So sadden too hear of Edmunds death, I am shocked. I had been doing his hair every summer he came to Maine. I will truly miss seeing him! May you RIP Edmund!!!
I studied with Prof Battersby for four years at IU. This is such sad sad news. He was a formative mentor of mine, both as a musician and as a person. I wish I could have seen him one last time.
I’ve known Eddy since 1964, I heard beautiful music coming from our high school auditorium in Trenton, Michigan, I followed the music…we were best friends instantly. I used to sit and lay on the top of the piano while he practiced. We joked and laughed so hard. We always laughed together and he would share w/me what was troubling him. He was so proud of his face on the build in Ireland last year. He was so humble…I am so honored to have had him in my life and so glad I saved his emails with the “I love you Susie”. What a tremendous loss to the world.
Susie,
Eddie was a classmate of mine St. Timothy’s in Trenton from the second through eighth grade. Eddie played the piano at all of the school functions, and I would stand near the piano, mesmerized. I will never forget his cheerful exuberance and his amazing skill.
Many years later, while living in NYC as a law school student (1979?), I went to purchase tickets for a popular Peter Brooks rendition of A Midsummer Nights Dream, if memory serves. I happened to look up at a hanging banner and saw Eddie’s name and image, heralding his NYC debut at Alice Tully Hall. I attended the debut but sat a few rows behind his family. I never introduced myself because this was such an important day for Eddie and his family.
I credit Eddie with my love of piano music and outstanding pianists who have played works by Chopin, Schubert, Beethoven, Mozart, Scriabin, the “Liszt” goes on and on and on…R.I.P. Eddie.
I was lucky enough to have studied with Edmund Battersby for one year at Montclair State University. He was an inspiration, a wonderful teacher, a caring and kind person. I too wish that I had seen him one last time. He has been, and will be missed.
Condolences to all who new him.
Eddie and I were students of Sascha Gorodnitzki at Juilliard during the late parts of the 60’s.We shared accompaning each other for Concertos at Master Classes and a few devilish pranks outside of the realms of classical music,during which his sense of humor and spirit were anbounded.He was a great friend,generous artist and sweet person.He will never be forgotten.Marisa Sieiro-Landolfi.