Professor Emeritus Andrew “Andy” Frank was a longtime faculty member and prolific composer who was always willing to contribute a commemorative piece, like the brass and double-timpani fanfare édzܾԳ that heralded the opening of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in 2002.
Frank, who taught composition and analysis from 1972 to 2007, died in April at the age of 75.
A consummate artist, Andy was in his beloved music studio until the very end, composing, revising and revisiting cherished musical and literary masters of the present and past.
During a concert by 51ԹϺ Davis’ Empyrean Ensemble in 2007, the year he took emeritus status, Frank remarked: “I am grateful to the University of California for allowing me the opportunity over the past 35 years to compose, teach and realize my musical ambitions.”
In that same talk, he described his work as being largely descended from early 20th-century modernism.
Among his last works were Matinee d’ivresse and Au bout de la nuit, premiered by the Empyrean Ensemble; Rhapsody for cello and piano; Duo Concertante for clarinet and piano; Autumn Rhythm V for two marimbas; Autumn Rhythm VIfor piano; A Mind of Winter for violin and guitar; and, a particular favorite of his friends, Still Life for solo viola, composed in memory of his father.
The 51ԹϺ Davis Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band and several other faculty members, as well as the Empyrean Ensemble, performed his compositions.
Others performing his work nationally and internationally included such groups as the Kronos Quartet, Da Capo Chamber Players, Stony Brook Contemporary Music Players, New Music Consort, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Penn Contemporary Players, Sonor at 51ԹϺ San Diego, Indianapolis Symphony, Hudson Valley Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Earplay, Composers Inc., Row Twelve Ensemble, Rice University Percussion Quartet, Westwind Brass Quintet, Albatros Ensemble, Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble and New York New Music Ensemble.
His music may be heard on several album recordings, which feature, among other performers, Marimolin, The Debussy Trio and Lara Downes.