In Memoriam: Professor of Piano Duncan McNab
The University of Minnesota School of Music mourns the loss of Professor of Piano Duncan McNab, who passed away peacefully in his Minneapolis home at the age of 97. He was born in Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada, and was the eldest child of Angus and Ethel (nee Scanlon) McNab.
“While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Professor McNab personally, his contribution to our shared musical world is obvious through the incredible outpouring of messages we’ve received from his students and colleagues,” writes Patrick Warfield, Director of the School of Music. “A remarkable gentleman, a passionate musician, and a dear friend are only a few of the ways Dr. McNab has been praised.”
From an early age, McNab displayed an exceptional talent for the piano. He attended high school at Pickering College in Ontario, where he could study the piano as part of his curriculum. Studying under Mona Bates, McNab completed the bachelor’s program at the University of Toronto.
Afterward, he went to the Juilliard School and completed his Masters degree under Rosina Lhevinne and earned his PhD at the University of Southern California. His dissertation was directed toward the development of piano articulation in the classic period. One of McNab’s classmates during his studies included famed pianist Glenn Gould.
McNab studied with some of the great musical artists of the 20th century including Victor and Vitya Babin at Aspen and Aaron Copland. After graduating from USC, McNab accepted a position at the University of Minnesota School of Music in the early 1960s. His friendship circle included philosophers, artists, and musicians, including Alfred Brendel. His performance career included live broadcasts for CBC radio, performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Recital Hall, Town Hall in New York, and the Minnesota Orchestra.
McNab’s musical artistry could not be separated from his teaching philosophy. He placed great importance on pedagogy and taught interpretation through stylistic practice based on rhythmic structure, melodic shapes, and sound theoretical thought. Each assignment for his students had an important purpose in their overall education. His Piano Literature class was infamous among students at the time. Many of McNab’s alumni remained admirers of his vision and continued to be devoted friends throughout his life.
After his retirement from the University of Minnesota School of Music, he continued his relationships with friends, colleagues, and former students. His endless pursuit of a lifetime of music education was evident in his passion for the piano music of Robert Schumann as he studied scores and recordings. He had scores piled about his room and LPs carefully organized at his listening station.
McNab’s life in music was reflected in his impeccable understanding of fine dining, tailored clothing, proper manners, and an extraordinary European and Asian art collection representing many centuries. Standing on his terrace overlooking his gardens, one could see his musicianship in the many blooms and colors of interesting plants, each selected for a purpose, as with the repertoire for his students.
The School of Music extends thanks to Jennifer McNab and McNab’s former student, Robert Gronemann, for his assistance with the content of this article. McNab had a passion for all animals and adored his four-legged family: Teddy the Newfie, the Cocker Spaniels (Bimbo, Ula, Bill, and Sam), and the Kerry Blue’s (Francis, Michael, Julia, Jack, and Sherlock). Should you wish to acknowledge McNab’s passing, he wishes donations to be made to the Animal Humane Society or Ontario SPCA.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Duncan on Saturday, April 5th from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at:
Hope Community Church
19951 Oswald Farm Road
Corcoran, MN 55374
All are welcome to toast to this fine gentleman and light refreshments will be served.
