Hartt Announces Passing of Professor Emeritus Robert Black

The Hartt School is deeply saddened to announce that Professor Emeritus Robert Black ’79 passed away on Friday, June 23. Black retired from his position of professor of bass this past spring, after his 29 years of service to Hartt.  

A founding member of Bang on a Can All-Stars, Black was recently honored during the third concert of the 2022-23 Garmany Chamber Music Series. The concert also featured artistic directors and founders Michael Gordon, David Lang, and Julia Wolfe. The All-Stars group was formed three decades ago, right around the time Black joined the Hartt faculty, and has steadily risen to worldwide prominence. Black was the only bass player the ensemble has ever known.

Black inspired generations of young bassists, leading the strings program as its chair for 20 years.  Robert toured the world creating music for the double bass and collaborating with the most adventurous composers, musicians, dancers, artists, actors, and technophiles.  

As Dale Merrill, dean of The Hartt School, said, “Robert was more than a teacher of his instrument. He has been a steady and shining example of what it means to be a musician in our time.” He was an advocate for, and a versatile practitioner of, music by living composers. Black has been associated with a roster of composers including John Cage, Philip Glass, Joan Tower, Cecil Taylor and hundreds of others.  

He was also an advocate for creating and promoting new music around the world through his Robert Black Foundation. Black has been recognized as a specific champion of his instrument, exemplified by his having served for many years as a member of the board of the International Society of Bassists. 

As a practitioner, Black commissioned and performed countless pieces, many of them for solo bass. The pieces showcased his sense of theatricality, humor, and virtuosity. As a performer, in addition to contemporary music, Black also played in orchestras and other smaller ensembles, performing standard repertoire of the 18th and 19th century.

Black’s passion for music of all kinds extended to his students. During Black’s travels and throughout his teaching career, he would make a point connecting with young student bass players, and their teachers, in whatever community he found himself. He sent out into the world hundreds of young bass players, many of whom have gone on to establish distinguished careers, and all cite him a cherished mentor.

Upon reflecting on Black, Merrill says he “was a great friend and colleague to us all and left a mark on the institution that will endure for years to come.” 

Hartt will continue to honor and celebrate Black's remarkable life and his significant connection to The Hartt School. More details on his memorial will be provided at a later date.