In memoriam
We Remember Don
Our dear friend Donald Busarow died on October 24, 2011 following an
illness of several months.
Don retired from his full-time position at Wittenberg University in the spring
of 2010 after 35 years of distinguished service. In 1982 he was appointed
director of the Wittenberg University Choir, a position he held until the end of
the 2009-2010 school year, and his tenure was marked by hundreds of
acclaimed concerts throughout the United States and Europe. In 2007, he
performed at the organ and led the Choir in concert at Cleveland's Severance
Hall. At Wittenberg he developed the Festival Choral Eucharist for
Reformation modeled on Luther's German mass, which became a cherished
tradition.
Ranging from soul-stirring magnificence to expressions of the most aching
tenderness, Don's music invited countless worshipers over nearly a half-
century to encounter the Triune God in ways that delighted the ear and
inspired the imagination. His legacy embraced the simple desire to serve God
and to proclaim the Gospel. He is best known for his large body of published
concertatos, multi-movement works exploring aspects of a given hymn. In
the multi-disc set Celebrating the Musical Heritage of the Lutheran Church
published by Thrivent, Don is included as one of ten composers representing
the 20th century.
On May 22, 2011, Cantor Connection celebrated Don's legacy in May with a
hymn festival at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio, attended
by more than 350 and conducted by his grandson Jonathan Busarow. On this
occasion as in most services he played throughout his career, he concluded
with his signature "Reflections," an improvised postlude which artfully wove
together themes from throughout a service. You may view the hymn festival
bulletin here. You may also read Evangeline Rimbach's tribute to Don in the
November issue of ALCM's Grace Notes here.
Our dear friend Donald Busarow died on October 24, 2011 following an
illness of several months.
Don retired from his full-time position at Wittenberg University in the spring
of 2010 after 35 years of distinguished service. In 1982 he was appointed
director of the Wittenberg University Choir, a position he held until the end of
the 2009-2010 school year, and his tenure was marked by hundreds of
acclaimed concerts throughout the United States and Europe. In 2007, he
performed at the organ and led the Choir in concert at Cleveland's Severance
Hall. At Wittenberg he developed the Festival Choral Eucharist for
Reformation modeled on Luther's German mass, which became a cherished
tradition.
Ranging from soul-stirring magnificence to expressions of the most aching
tenderness, Don's music invited countless worshipers over nearly a half-
century to encounter the Triune God in ways that delighted the ear and
inspired the imagination. His legacy embraced the simple desire to serve God
and to proclaim the Gospel. He is best known for his large body of published
concertatos, multi-movement works exploring aspects of a given hymn. In
the multi-disc set Celebrating the Musical Heritage of the Lutheran Church
published by Thrivent, Don is included as one of ten composers representing
the 20th century.
On May 22, 2011, Cantor Connection celebrated Don's legacy in May with a
hymn festival at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio, attended
by more than 350 and conducted by his grandson Jonathan Busarow. On this
occasion as in most services he played throughout his career, he concluded
with his signature "Reflections," an improvised postlude which artfully wove
together themes from throughout a service. You may view the hymn festival
bulletin here. You may also read Evangeline Rimbach's tribute to Don in the
November issue of ALCM's Grace Notes here.
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