James B. Erb, Founder of the Richmond Symphony Chorus
1926-2014
A celebration of the life of James Erb took place on Saturday, December 20, at 11am at the University of Richmond Cannon Memorial Chapel. This celebration included singing and quiet time for reflection, with music provided for those who wished to participate in the singing. Immediately after the celebration, a reception took place at River Road Church Baptist. Dr. Erb passed away on November 11, 2014, at the age of 88.
With the passing of Jim Erb, the musical community of Richmond and beyond lost an icon of choral excellence. From his work at the University of Richmond to his founding of the Richmond Symphony Chorus, from his important editing of the works of Orlando di Lasso to his masterful and popular arrangement of Shenandoah, Jim left a legacy of determination, excellence, artistry, and humility. He was a conductor, a teacher, a singer, a scholar, and a friend.
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Articles
Obituary in the Richmond Times Dispatch Richmond Times Dispatch article by Ellen Robertson LetterV article by Clarke Bustard Listen to Jim sing die Schoener Muellerin
with Roy Jesson on piano - August 11, 1956. |
Thoughts from RSChorus Leadership:
“Jim Erb had a profound impact on my life, the lives of the singers with whom he worked, and the lives of those around the world who sang his compositions. I first knew of him in high school, when I, like thousands across the country, sang his “Shenandoah." The honesty of the piece combined with the demands it required reflect Jim’s approach to music: sing it correctly, sing it with beauty, and sing it with excellence. One of the final pieces he prepared with the Richmond Symphony Chorus was the Brahms Requiem. I distinctly remember sitting in the audience, poised to take over the legacy that he created, in awe and fear of the task at hand. Since then, however, I have learned that Jim, through his attention to detail, determination, and musical integrity, set up his legacy in such a way that, as the final movement of the Brahms’ says: he may now rest from his labors, as his work will follow after him.” - Erin Freeman, RSC Director "Jim marveled that he was paid to do what he loved doing, teaching large and small choral works to students and directing the Richmond Symphony Chorus. At a first rehearsal, he occasionally asked for a show of hands from those who had never sung the piece before. “How I envy you!” he would say; they would have the experience of learning the music and discovering its great moments. His enthusiasm and passion were infectious, and his rehearsals could be unexpectedly thrilling when the sound met his expectation of what the music required. It was always about the music, and he would protest, “It’s not about me,” when someone suggested that we were trying to give him what he wanted." - Barb Baker, RSC Chorus Manager |
Thoughts from Music Directors, past and present:
– Steven Smith (Richmond Symphony music director): “Jim Erb had already stepped down from his positon as RSO Chorus Director when I arrived as Music Director. However early in my tenure I was delighted that Jim was singing in the chorus. His love for the collegiality of the chorus, his wealth of experience and sincere and deep commitment to every moment of the music was truly inspiring. His legacy, not just here in Richmond but in the wider world of music will always be remembered with profound love and respect. .”
– Jacques Houtmann (symphony music director, 1971-86): “What a great man, a great musician he was; I will never forget how he was able to generate such an energy in order to convince the Richmond Symphony Chorus to give the best in the vast repertoire he was involved in. We worked in may 1986 for the last time: Bruckner's Te Deum !! We will keep loving you Jim..”
– George Manahan (symphony music director, 1987-98): “The Richmond Symphony was blessed to have the charismatic leadership of my friend and colleague Jim Erb for so many years. We performed some of the most challenging choral masterpieces in the repertory, including Bernstein, Walton, Messiaen, Brahms, and Verdi among others. Never did I think there was a work too tough for the symphony chorus with Jim at the helm.”
– Mark Russell Smith (symphony music director, 1999-2009): “t was indeed an honor to have known Jim Erb, and I count the many collaborations with Jim and the incredible chorus he created among my most cherished artistic memories of my tenure in Richmond. He was a man of great passion and integrity, and brought every ounce of his being to bringing music to life for both his chorus and his audience. We are all richer musicians and human beings for having had the privilege of working with Jim.”
– Steven Smith (Richmond Symphony music director): “Jim Erb had already stepped down from his positon as RSO Chorus Director when I arrived as Music Director. However early in my tenure I was delighted that Jim was singing in the chorus. His love for the collegiality of the chorus, his wealth of experience and sincere and deep commitment to every moment of the music was truly inspiring. His legacy, not just here in Richmond but in the wider world of music will always be remembered with profound love and respect. .”
– Jacques Houtmann (symphony music director, 1971-86): “What a great man, a great musician he was; I will never forget how he was able to generate such an energy in order to convince the Richmond Symphony Chorus to give the best in the vast repertoire he was involved in. We worked in may 1986 for the last time: Bruckner's Te Deum !! We will keep loving you Jim..”
– George Manahan (symphony music director, 1987-98): “The Richmond Symphony was blessed to have the charismatic leadership of my friend and colleague Jim Erb for so many years. We performed some of the most challenging choral masterpieces in the repertory, including Bernstein, Walton, Messiaen, Brahms, and Verdi among others. Never did I think there was a work too tough for the symphony chorus with Jim at the helm.”
– Mark Russell Smith (symphony music director, 1999-2009): “t was indeed an honor to have known Jim Erb, and I count the many collaborations with Jim and the incredible chorus he created among my most cherished artistic memories of my tenure in Richmond. He was a man of great passion and integrity, and brought every ounce of his being to bringing music to life for both his chorus and his audience. We are all richer musicians and human beings for having had the privilege of working with Jim.”