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Princeton University

EDMUND NIEMANN Obituary

NIEMANN--Edmund,

distinguished concert pianist, teacher and lecturer, died August 13, 2016 in New York. Born December 25, 1945, he earned his B.Mus and M.Mus degrees at Manhattan School of Music. His teachers included Artur Balsam, Robert Goldsand and Arminda Canteros. He was a longtime member of Steve Reich and Musicians and founding member of Parnassus and piano duo Double Edge (with Nurit Tilles). New pieces were written for Double Edge by John Cage, Meredith Monk, and David Lang, to name a few. Mr. Niemann also appeared with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and Riverside Symphony, and choreographers Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Laura Dean and Annabelle Gamson. Of his l984 Merkin Hall debut The New York Times said, "...his playing was technically dazzling, his musicality unquestionable." Mr. Niemann taught at Princeton University, Sarah Lawrence College, Hoff-Barthelson Music School and Third Street Music School Settlement. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and daughter, choreographer Ani Taj.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 31, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for EDMUND NIEMANN

Sponsored by anonymous.

18 Entries

Karan

November 11, 2024

I was a student of Mr. Niemann´s for many years at HB music school. He left an indelible mark on me. To this day, decades later, he remains one of my favorite teachers. I recently thought of Mr. Niemann and came to hear about his passing. With deep sadness, I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. He will live in my memory as a wonderful mentor and teacher, an extraordinarily gifted musician whose patience knew no bounds.

Barbara Steinberg

August 25, 2020

Dear Ed, I met your daughter on FB. She is carrying on your legacy. You should be very proud of her. Love, Barbara

cindi gans

April 25, 2020

Hi. I was a student of Edmunds' for way too short of a period. My freshman year summer (at home in NY) 1980. He was recommended by my previous 13 year teacher. I attended HS performing Arts, and studied Electronic Music at SUNY ALbany, then transferred to Boston University, where I lived for the next three years. I still remember his analogies to getting over the hard passages. He was truly a gem. I didn't know of his passing and it saddens me. I am a fan of Steve Reich and was proud to see Edmund contributing to many pieces. He was a treasure and not forgotton. I know it has been 4 years but please accept my condolences from another fan... stay well. stay safe.
Cindi (Rogovin)Gans

Paul Bempechat

June 3, 2018

I only heard of Ed's passing yesterday and am very upset by this terrible loss, at such a young age.

Ed and I were students of Artur Balsam's at the Manhattan School of Music; he was a few years older than me, and served as a shining example of what Mr. Balsam called "pure and honest musicianship". His words of encouragement (I was only 17 when I arrived in NYC) remain with me, as do the memories of his MM recital, part of which included a repertoire far too modern for poor Mr. Balsam (and me). He contributed greatly to our profession and will never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences.

Eleonor Sandresky

February 11, 2017

Love and condolences to all who feel the need. Ed was such a wonderful presence in every setting I had the pleasure of sharing with him.

Barbara Steinberg

December 13, 2016

Ed Niemann accompanied me at my MSM graduation recital when I was 19 years old. I also was privileged to study piano with him. My deepest condolences to his wife and daughter...

Phillip Bush

September 22, 2016

I have so many fond memories of Ed from many tours together with Steve Reich's band...he was always a true gentleman and a calm steadying presence in rehearsals, with a gentle but wry sense of humor. His diverse and wide-ranging musicality was something I admired from the time I first came to NY and worked in a professional setting with him. I am so sad that he has left us too soon, but my enduring image of him is a sunny grin, as we shared a chuckle over this or that funny situation in a soundcheck, or in a travel situation, and so on. A truly classy artist for whom I had the greatest respect. Donna and Anastasia, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Alan Kay

September 19, 2016

Ed will be sorely missed. He was a beautiful musician and person, inside and out. His gentle but self-assured presence in the group Parnassus was inspiring to all involved, and his piano playing had such delicacy and sparkle. Indeed, his special sound will stay with me forever. I feel privileged to have known dear Ed for so long, though our paths have not crossed so often in recent years. My sincerest condolences to you during this sad and difficult time.

Jo-Ann Sternberg

September 13, 2016

Ed was a longtime colleague of mine in the Princeton University Music Dept. I feel so fortunate that we finally had the chance to work together and perform Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire in 2014. Throughout the rehearsal process Ed was such a shining light exuding a great generosity of spirit while maintaining a calm and ever-supportive demeanor. He sparkled with ideas and deep wisdom -- and his playing was always sizzling with rhythmic drive and sultry passion.
I was so thrilled to have the chance to share not only the rehearsals with Ed -- but also some lovely long drives to and from Princeton/NYC. We talked about so many things -- family, Monteverdi, traveling, teaching...
I will miss Ed very, very much...

Nancy Muller

September 7, 2016

Dear Donna and Anastasia -
Our family was very sorry to hear the news of Edmund's death. He was always a kind man and a good neighbor. Our thoughts are with you both at this very difficult time.
Glenn and Nancy Muller

David Borden

September 6, 2016

Edmund always played my music with great understanding and sensitivity. I will miss him as a friend and fellow musician.

Veronica Chamlee

September 2, 2016

Edmund Neman was an exceptional instructor and mentor. He taught his students with precise literacy and clarity. All who came in contact with him knew he loved the gift(s) of teacher and mentor. To his great credit. Mr. Nieman shared his gift humbly and freely.

"..now, you may rest in peace, Mr. Nieman."

Tania Moore-Barrett

September 2, 2016

Mr. Niemann taught our daughter for many years at Hoff Barthelson. She admired him enormously, and we are deeply grateful that she had such an esteemed, generous, knowledgeable and immensely accomplished teacher. He made a real difference in her musical life, and his contributions will live on in those whose lives he touched.

Sincere condolences to his family. -Tania Moore-Barrett, Brian Barrett & Ana Barrett

September 2, 2016

Mr. Niemann taught my husband and daughter music theory and my son piano. When he slowed down his private lessons he continued to teach my son and this was something that my son will never forget as he became very close to him and admired him dearly. He was always kind, patient and his knowledge seemed endless! He will be dearly missed.
-The Panaro Family (Katonah, NY)

Barbara Kolb

September 1, 2016

A superb and sensitive musician with whom I had the pleasure of working on many different occasions. The dedication and perfection he gave to performing new music will be remembered by so many. He will be missed by us all.

Jing Sun

September 1, 2016

Mr. Niemann taught our son in musicianship class in Hoff Barthelson. He was an excellent teacher. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Marianne Pellegrini

August 31, 2016

Mr. Niemann taught our son for many years at Hoff Barthelson. He was a superb teacher, mentor, inspiration and friend. We will always remember and miss him and hope we can live up to the good examples that he set. Deepest condolences to Donna and Anastasia. Marianne and Roger Pellegrini

Herb & Sylvie Saltzstein

August 31, 2016

My wife and I took a number of classes taught by Edmund for the SAS school and enjoyed them all. We also found him to be a immensely interesting teacher and very 'sympatico' person. We will miss him. Indeed, he was one of the best teachers with whom we have ever studied.

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