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Brayden Olson posted a condolence
Saturday, December 10, 2022
I am deeply saddened to hear of professor Burleson's passing. I was a student the final iteration of Collegium Musicum and in the first year med-ren survey in his last year of teaching in 2012. Those experiences were truly formative for me, as I, in addition to becoming a lutenist, am now a PhD student in medieval musicology. Over the past decade, I find myself regularly reflecting upon the advice he offered, from advice on sight reading to the feedback he wrote on my first essay: every year I remind my undergraduate students that the first paper I wrote god-awful. I've incorporated certain Burlesonianisms into my everyday lexicon, as both a teacher and academic: he once described Gesualdo's music as "an alien ship on the horizon"; I cannot recall the number of times I've used that phrase in the classroom.
I often felt that he didn't get his due, that his work and influence wasn't properly acknowledged. I often imagined coming back to Winnipeg and informing him of the influence he had on my life (despite that fact that he had trouble remembering my name, haha). I guess I won't get that chance now, but I can happily inform all who read this that I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't stumbled into Collegium back then.
I know that is probably a lot of rambling—please take it in the spirit it is intended
My most heartfelt condolences,
Brayden Olson
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Rachel Yossifon Posted Dec 11, 2022 at 3:34 AM
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Kurt Markstrom posted a condolence
Thursday, December 1, 2022
It is with great shock and sadness that I have received the bad news of Richard’s death. I cannot believe that he was taken from us so soon. He was the first person I met in Winnipeg and the connection that I made with him during my interview was crucial in obtaining that position which was so dear to me. For this I am ever grateful. During the first two years we became good friends. He was someone who you could really talk to seriously about music. Although that friendship became strained during the conflicts, controversies and overall business of the Millennium decade, as the School of Music expanded into a faculty, when we were often on opposite sides of the various issues. We survived those turbulent and busy years and managed to stay on friendly terms. I always anticipated that we would renew our friendship once we were both retired, two old profs sitting around drinking coffee talking about the old days and, of course music, but that was not to be. I could mention Covid, my own health issues and my many on-going projects as primary excuses but that would still not take away the real remorse and sadness that I feel over his passing.
My condolences to Jessica and Rachel (whom I never met but have heard much about). He had a huge impact on my life and I know that he had an impact on many other people’s lives. He will be sorely missed. I should also mention that during his year as acting Dean, he was responsible for launching our graduate program, which was quite an achievement in addition to being a much loved and respected teacher and all around one-in-a-million sort of guy.
My sincerest condolences
Kurt Markstrom
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Jessica Burleson Posted Dec 5, 2022 at 5:41 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your memories - we are very aware of the positive impact he had on the lives of so many. We did not know the extent to which he was involved in launching the graduate program but are not surprised to read that. Your friendship no doubt meant a great deal to Dad. -Jessica & Rachel
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Colleen Renihan posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
I was so incredibly saddened to read this news of Professor Burleson's passing. He made such an impact on me as an undergraduate student. I have truly wonderful memories of his Collegium Musicum ensemble which was a space where we felt like real young professionals, thanks to his generosity of spirit and true gift for mentorship and collaborative musicking. He modeled intellectual curiosity in such a beautiful way in his music history classes, and with his Directed Study students. I also remember him doing really thoughtful and engaged work with local Indigenous communities. He was one of the reasons I decided to pursue graduate degrees in Musicology, and I think of him often in my work with my own students now at Queen's University. What an incredible person--I am so honoured to have had the chance to study with him.
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Edmund and Karla Dawe posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Very sad to hear this news. Condolences to all of the family. Richard was a wonderful colleague and an outstanding teacher.
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Karen Jensen posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
My very deep condolences to Jess and Rachel, and to all Richard's family, on this great loss. Such was his knowledge and creativity, it is as if a continent has slipped beyond the horizon. Richard was a great friend and cherished colleague at the Faculty of Music, his knowledge a treasure trove of what beauty is to be found in the repertoire of early music, folk music, and cross-over genres. But not only did he find these gems, he created arrangements of such sublime elegance that they were transformed--arrangements for lute, banjo, even mountain dulcimer. When performing with Richard as a duo partner I found that it was as if we shared a brain and knew without many words how a phrase would go that time. There are so many stories. When we were preparing to tour in the Czech Republic, he learned enough Czech to read the entire menu, which he of course would do for my three daughters to explain every dish (to the consternation of the waiter who keep coming back to the table for our order). I smile to remember how he used to keep a special silk scarf for covering his lute when gently tucking it into his case. No wonder when asked his religion, he would say with a straight face: Lutenist. Richard was such an enormous gift to all who knew him, and he will be hugely missed. Karen Jensen
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Rosmarin Heidenreich Paterson posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Richard’s death leaves all who knew him bereft. He was a dear friend and colleague of my late husband Paul Paterson, and after meeting him (over the inevitable cup of coffee at the old Basil’s) he became my friend as well. An engaging conversationalist with broad interests and wide-ranging knowledge, Richard also had a wicked sense of humour and a keen wit. Only six months ago, at Paul’s memorial service, Richard paid moving tribute to his old friend. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to Jessica and Rachel and all the family.
Rosmarin Heidenreich Paterson
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Kara Hunter uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, November 20, 2022
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Professor Burleson was an incredible teacher. Perched atop the grand piano in our education classroom, he made Gregorian chant interesting, bringing music history to life by weaving religion and fine arts into his lectures. When asked a question, he would put his hand over the lower portion of his face, look down and pace, thoughtfully considering the response he would give (here I learned that a thoughtful answer was more valuable than one reflexively given). He had lutes on his office wall, wore tiny diamond & yellow gold earrings, and took no crap from obnoxious first-years. In 4th year, Collegium became one of my favourite ensemble experiences, providing me the only opportunity I ever got to play the harpsichord in Eva Clare Hall - what an honour to have shared the stage with him. I still get his version of Farewell, vain world! stuck in my head, his lessons on gospel music ringing in my ears (he had us watch Cold Mountain for homework). Professor Burleson was thoughtful, brilliant, kind and passionately shared his wealth of knowledge and love for music with his students - he was the best of the best, and I was lucky to have studied with him.
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Adriano Valentin & Jane Dick posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Deepest condolences to Jessica, Rachel, Paula, and all the family. It has been decades since we last crossed paths with Richard, but we remember with happiness the times we spent together in friendship in years past -- outings, visits, as well as attending concerts where he and Paula performed so beautifully. He was a fine and good person, kind and joyful, always a pleasure to be in his company. May he live on in the memories and lives of all those he touched. We will remember him always, with great fondness.
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Glenn Zaretski posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 19, 2022
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Prof. Burleson was a shining light of sanity and professionalism during the 4 years I attended the School of Music. He brought a wealth of knowledge, fascinating stories and sparkling sense of humour to all our lessons and practices. I remember one Collegium concert in particular where we basses changed the words to one piece, from "Never weather beaten sail more willing bent to shore" to a bawdy rendition more in line with one of his teachings about the early music he was so fond of. He caught it right away and gave us quick smile, though the audience was never the wiser about our inside joke. All my memories of him are happy ones. Condolences to his loved ones.
Glenn Zaretski, Guitar, Class of '79.
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The family of Richard Forman Burleson uploaded a photo
Thursday, November 17, 2022
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The family of Richard Forman Burleson uploaded a photo
Thursday, November 17, 2022
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Jay Goldstein posted a condolence
Sunday, November 13, 2022
I was a member of the Executive Committee of the U of M Faculty Association during the strike in 1995. I fondly remember that when the strike began, Richard and some of his students from the Faculty of Music formed the Minstrels of Redundancy. The Minstrels used their musical talents to create pro-strike songs, which they performed at picket sites, the strike headquarters, and rallies. Their contribution to the success of the strike as morale boosters was widely appreciated.
My sincere condolences to Richard's family.
Jay Goldstein
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Guy Michaud posted a condolence
Sunday, November 13, 2022
My condolences to Richard's family,Jessica,Rachel.
He was my favorite professor while studying music at UofM and with time we would become friends.Particularily enjoyed singing early music under his direction and many philosophical discussions.Rest in peace.
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