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Audun J. Ravnan

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Denison University Northwestern University University of Nebraska University of Wisconsin

Audun Ravnan Obituary

Ravnan, Audun J.
Jul 21, 1925 - Jun 9, 2009
Lincoln, NE. Born in Alversund, Norway to Ingolf P. Ravnan and Maria nee' Eide. Married Barbara J. Puckett September 2, 1950 in Evanston, IL. Education inlcudes Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) and Master of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Honorary Doctor of Music, Doane College, Crete, NE. Teacher of Piano, Denison University, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 36 years until retirement in 1993 as George Holmes Distinguished Professor of Piano and Past Chair of Piano Department. Extensive concert career as recitalistk, collaborative pianist and orchestra soloist. Honored with the first Governor's Arts Award (Nebraska), Mayor's Art Award (Lincoln), University of Nebraska Distinguished Teaching Award and names A Fellow of the Music Teacher's National Association Foundation. Survived by wife, Barbara; daughters, Ellen M., Centennial, CO, Kari L. and Vidar Brenden, Oslo, Norway; daughter and son-in-law, Julie (Britt) and Michael Ebinger, Santa Fe, NM; step-grandchildren, Carl and Timothy; brother, Geir M and sister-in-law, Sigfrid Bergen, Norway; sister-in-law, Gerda, Oslo, Norway; brother-in-law, Henry Qvamme and wife, Jytte Pedersen, Dragor, Denmark. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Herold O.; sister, Johanna.
The Audun and Barbara Ravnan Piano Support Fund was created in 2008 through the University Foundation of the University of Nebraska/Lincoln by daughter, (Julie) Britt. To support this scholarship, please send your gift made payable to the University of Nebraska Foundation to: Ravnan Student Support Fund, University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Ste 300, Lincoln, NE 68508. Please include Fund 01104680 on the memo line of your check. MEMORIAL SERVICES Private. LINCOLN MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME
6800 S. 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512-2311

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Omaha World-Herald from Jun. 11 to Jun. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Audun Ravnan

15 Entries

June 27, 2009

I am writing to convey my sincerest condolences at the passing of Mr. Ravnan. I was a student in his studio from 1985 through 1988. Although my professional life took me in a different direction, I have always considered my time learning from him the richest part of my education.

I will always remember his ability to make subtle changes in my playing which resulted in huge leaps in expression and musicality. His ability to help the student feel the music and let if flow through them was a gift, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have studied under him.

Brett McArthur

Pam Herbert Barger

June 18, 2009

I sent this over-long letter to the Lincoln Journal Star, but haven't seen it among the letters to the editor. I hope it conveys a bit of the experience of being one of the hundreds of students who had the good fortune to be taught by this unique and dear man. Dear Editor:

Piano professor Audun Ravnan’s passing marks a loss to our community of a wealth of understanding—both musical and in broader terms. I express my condolences to his family and to all those whose lives he touched.

Some twenty years after my last lesson with Professor Ravnan at UNL, he remains a vivid presence in my life. In the LJS article on June 11, Mr. Ravnan was described as an exacting piano teacher. The word “exacting” took me aback, invoking, as it does for me, the image of ego-driven crack-the-ruler-on-the-knuckles stereotype of a teacher. Mr. Ravnan was kind, always, though never a pushover. And, yes, as I think of it, Professor Ravnan was exacting, in the sense that he was devoted to the aesthetic ideal of the music he taught.

The subject of our lessons was music. Ego, or ego disguised in its myriad manifestations, simply was irrelevant. Mr. Ravnan played so beautifully and so convincingly that there never was need for him to display or invoke his considerable power. He never criticized, either. There simply was the music ideal, and then, in my case, the discrepancy between my playing and that ideal.

Professor Ravnan would ask me to play part of an assignment for him. Afterward he’d smile enigmatically, and finally say, “Good.” He’d pause to think, and then say, “Now…” And then we were off, as he attempted to show me how to take the music in a more artistic direction.

More than once during a lesson I thought, “If a stranger were to happen in on this conversation, she’d have no clue what we’re talking about.” The fact is, the difference between pretty good music-making and inspired music-making can amount to almost infinitesimal changes in volume and duration of pitches. These tiny differences aren’t easy to convey, but over and over, with student after student, Mr. Ravnan managed to convey them. With regard to some subtle musical point, he once told me, “You shouldn’t notice it; but you’d miss it if it weren’t there.”

And he was funny. Once he patiently explained that although I was doing what he’d asked me to, I was overdoing it. I must have sighed, because then he said, “Well, there’s no accounting for taste.”

And I’ll never forget the time I missed some flats in a chord in a Schumann piece. It had sounded fine to my rock-and-roll ear. But it struck him funny, and the more he tried not to laugh, the funnier it struck him.

I’ve taught piano for more than twenty-five years. Mr. Ravnan’s photo is in my studio next to photos of my family. I invoke his name, and more importantly, his ideas, almost daily. Some of my students might even be able to predict what (I think) he’d say in some musical situations.

I never can hope to achieve what he did, but I would like to think that in some measure through me, and through many other students whose lives he affected, Audun Ravnan will live on for a long time.

Sincerely,

Pam Herbert Barger

Lincoln, NE

Ginny May

June 14, 2009

Barbara and family,
My condolences to all of you at this difficult time in your lives. Dr. Ravnan was a piano professor at the time I started UNL in 1967. He was a very respected,likable and humorous man with the ability & skills to play piano among the very, very best!
I attended many of his recitals and he was a superb performer as well as excellent teacher of piano.
Please accept my sympathy to you all in the loss of such a wonderful, accomplished musician - a gift to us all...
He will be sorely missed by many.
Ginny May

Gregg Dress

June 13, 2009

I was/am not a pianist. I marveled at Audun Ravan's talent when I attended his recitals. He judged my incompetency at the keyboard when I took my piano class examination. He had the graciousness to let me "pass". He leaves a tremendous legacy and will be missed by all.

David Wiebe

June 13, 2009

Dear Barbara, Kari, Ellen, and Julie,

I was saddened to learn of your loss of Audun. Audun was the bedrock of the Nebraska School of Music piano department. His rich legacy as an artist and a fine pedagogue will never be forgotten. I can think of many, many wonderful concerts I heard him play over the course of years. Always in display was his charming and rollicking dry humor to entertain the audience. Audun must have taught hundreds of pianists and this is another remarkable legacy, with all those, including my sister, Maria, who learned and improved and excelled under his meticulous guidance.

Audun will be missed and never forgotten. My thoughts are with you at this time of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.
David Wiebe

Rhiannon Baumhover

June 12, 2009

The Legacy will greatly miss Audun. He was such a caring man. I will miss a lot about him but mostly his wit and humor, he always seemed to make me laugh even when I was having a bad day.

Robert Murray

June 12, 2009

I could always count on Audun to have a twinkle in his eye along with an amusing remark. I was saddened to hear of his death, for I considered him a good friend and fine musician. My sympathies to to Barbara and the family at this difficult time. They must have wonderful memories.
Bob Murray

Helen Jordon

June 12, 2009

What a genius Audun Ravnan was, and how lucky we were to have known him. He played for our wedding at the Lutheran Student Center on Thanksgiving of 1967. Such talent, and such a sweet, caring man. Blessings on all of you.

Maria Allison

June 11, 2009

Dear Barbara and all of the Ravnan family, I was very sad to read the notice today that my brother sent me. It seems like I considered you all to be my family for a few years, when I was a high school student and thru my college years. We had many gatherings at your home and felt so familial with you all. I have incredible gratitude and respect for everything that Mr. Ravnan taught me, particularly his artistry. Many good things that I learned from him I am trying to teach my students now. I miss him and think of him every day as I teach and play. I would love to write more but space is short. Please know our sympathies are with you and our hearts go out to you during this sad time. Many many wonderful memories and friendships from his studio during all my years with him, 1960-70. Much Love, Maria L. (Wiebe) Allison

June 11, 2009

Condolences to the Ravnan family plus many wonderful memories from the Kohl family - Gay Kohl, April Swansiger, Heddy and Jerry Kohl.

Pamela Thompson

June 11, 2009

Audun Ravnan, a man of tremendous heart and unique ability to teach from his heart. I want to express my sympathy on the death of Audun Ravnan. He made my heart come alive playing the piano. I was a piano major at UNL from 1974-78 and Mr. Ravnan was my wonderful instructor. So many precious memories! My love and sympathy to his family. I'm praying for you during this difficult time.

Scott Moore

June 11, 2009

My condolences to the Ravnun family. I have counted Audun among my friends since he was my choir leader at Trinity United Methodist church many years ago. I have always thought he was among the finest pianists I have ever heard.I am reminded that, after his stroke, he played one-handed accompaning his daughter Kari on the cello, in Omaha one day, and it was wonderful. I am sorry he is no longer with us.

Shala Carter

June 11, 2009

Condolences to you, Barbara. Peace be with you.
Shala Carter, Past member Coalition for Pet Protection

June 11, 2009

Barbara and family,
Though I did not know your husband well, it is obvious the many wonderful things you both have done for the arts. My thoughts are with you and warm wishes. Sincerely, Melissa Critchfield Epp

Lois Watts

June 11, 2009

I want to express my sympathy on the death of Audun Ravnan. I was a member of the choir at the Lutheran student house when Mr. Ravnan directed the choir in 1959-1960. sincerely, Lois {Mueller) Watts

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