In memoriam: Barton Frank, 1926 - 2011

Barton Frank, faculty emeritus of music at Western Washington University, passed away on March 10, 2011. A memorial for Frank will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Lairmont Manor in Bellingham.

Frank, 84, was a longtime cello professor at WWU, and he influenced a lot of students and colleagues during his years at the university.

Frank was born Oct. 5, 1926, in Philadelphia to Anne and Adam Frank. His talent for music and the cello was recognized early, and he studied with world-famous cellist Gregor Piatigorsky; thus began a successful and varied music career.

He graduated early, at age 19, with honors from the Curtis Institute of Music and became the youngest principal cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

Barton continued his career with tours throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States, both in orchestras and as a soloist. For a time he was principal cellist of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra; it was there he met cellist Maureen O'Carroll, who became his wife and the mother of their three children.

A strong drive to teach brought Frank to Washington State University in 1965, where he was professor of low strings and conductor of the orchestra. He was recruited to be a member of the music faculty at WWU and accepted the position in the fall of 1969. After retiring, he continued teaching private lessons, coaching chamber music groups and guest conducting.

Frank is remembered fondly by Peter Marsh, a senior lecturer of strings at the University of Southern California and a former colleague of Frank's at WWU. The two spent a lot of time together, as faculty colleagues, as members of a musical trio and as friends.

"He was quite a character, this fellow," Marsh recalls. "He was really quite instrumental at Western in building the orchestra. He was really quite extraordinary."

Marsh remembers Frank as an opinionated but very kind man.

"He really spoke his mind," Marsh says. "When he knew something, that was it. It didn't matter what anyone else thought. I was very fond of this guy; we were good friends through thick and thin."

An online guest book is full of fond memories of Frank, many from former students and colleagues.

"What he really taught me as a musician was the joy I could feel and give to to others when music is played magnificently," wrote Lisa Marcus.

Mannfreid Funk, a former student of Frank's and a current cello teacher, wrote this: "Barton's pool of knowledge was an ocean profound and complex, permeated with sensitivity and humanistic humor. He was unusual, quite special and gave more than I believe he ever knew. He will always be deeply missed."

In recent years, he returned to solo performing and captured local audiences with his imaginative recitals and fine musicianship. In addition to music, he loved painting, cooking, photography, and collecting and restoring vintage string instruments. Barton was a passionate man dedicated to his art and will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity and compassion.

Barton is survived by his children, Adrienne, Leora, and Eamon; four grandchildren; dear friend Sharon Ashley; and a multitude of students and great friends.

Memorials may be made in Barton Frank's name to the Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Attn DEV office.